Jags sweep in Sun Belt opener

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - University of South Alabama junior catcher Brent Tanner hit two home runs and drove in four runs to lead the Jaguars to a 14-8 win and their first road sweep in a Sun Belt Conference opener since 1989, when USA took three games from Western Kentucky.

Tanner went 4-for-5 with four runs scored to lead the Jags at the plate. Senior left fielder Sean Laird went 2-for-5 with a run scored to record his team-leading ninth multiple-hit game. Every South Alabama starter recorded a hit in the contest.

USA righthander Dustin Crenshaw (2-0) earned the win in his first start of the season in four innings, allowing five runs on four hits while striking out one Trojan batter.

"I think things went our way this weekend," USA head coach Steve Kittrell said. "The guys swung the bats. It was the kind of weekend where I guys were confident , playing well and got some timely hits. The guys played well, and we just have to keep that momentum, not get overconfident and keep working hard."

UALR righthander Travis Henke (1-2) took the loss in three innings, allowing seven runs on six hits. First baseman Jake Rowell went 1-for-3 with three RBI to lead the Trojans at the plate. UALR took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on Jason Houston's sacrifice fly to center field to score Bryce Killingsworth, who reached base on a hit by pitch to lead off the inning.

USA answered in the top of the second inning when Tanner hit a solo home run to right center to tie the game 1-1.

The Trojans took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third inning with two runs on two hits. Brock Feldmann singled to right center to score Nate Brown who led off the inning with a double down the right field line. Rowell later drove in Feldmann on a sacrifice fly to center field.

USA (12-6, 3-0) will return to action Tuesday when it opens a two-game midweek series at Memphis at 6:30 p.m.