Jags shut out Siena on home turf

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - University of South Alabama lefthander Lance Baxter pitched eight shutout innings and allowed just two hits to lead the Jaguars to an 8-0 win over Siena Sunday afternoon at Stanky Field.

Baxter (2-0) went 4.2 innings before allowing a hit, when Kyle Hudson doubled down the left field line past a diving Jake Overstreet at third base.

"I thought Lance was outstanding," USA head coach Steve Kittrell said. "He set the tempo for the game. He breeds confidence out there, and he knows how to pitch. It was an outstanding game, and one we needed, because they [Siena] have been hot with the bats."

Baxter, a native of Robertsdale, Ala., struck out five batters and issued five walks to earn his first shutout of the season, and his two hits allowed marks a new career best.

"I was up and down," Baxter said. "I had five walks, but we won. Personally, I had a sub-par performance. Overall, I located my fastball for the most part and jammed them with cutters trying to get a lot of ground balls. Between the fourth and seventh innings, I finally found my changeup, and was able to work that in and get them on their front foot."

USA first baseman Tyler Vick went 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and one run scored to lead the Jaguars at the plate. Second baseman Zach Grichor also went 2-for-4 with two doubles, one RBI and two runs scored to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

Siena righthander Zach Hartman (0-2) took the loss in 4.2 innings, allowing five runs on three hits.

The Jaguars scored multiple runs in the third and fifth innings to earn their second win of the series.

USA (8-5) returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Tennessee Tech at 6 p.m.