Gamecocks pummel Redhawks

~ Jacksoville State rolled to a 21-7 victory.

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. -- Defending Ohio Valley Conference regular-season champion Jacksonville State left no doubt in Sunday's rubber match of a three-game series against visiting Southeast Missouri State.

The Gamecocks knocked out Derek Herbig in the second inning, built an early seven-run lead, withstood a Southeast comeback and went on to destroy the Redhawks 21-7.

JSU improved to 15-17 overall and 5-4 in OVC play, while Southeast fell to 12-17 and 4-5. The teams had split Saturday's doubleheader.

The Gamecocks piled up season-high totals in runs and hits (22), while also recording their most runs and hits in an OVC game since joining the league three years ago.

After allowing no runs during their previous OVC series against Murray State, the Redhawks' pitching staff gave up 36 runs to the Gamecocks.

Herbig, who had turned in two impressive starts to begin OVC play, retired just five batters Sunday. The senior left-hander allowed six hits and five runs in falling to 2-2.

Five more pitchers followed Herbig to the mound, with only Matt Carter emerging un-scathed. He worked 1 1/3 hitless innings.

Trailing 7-0 after three innings, the Redhawks threatened to duplicate their comeback in Saturday's nightcap, when they overcame a late 6-2 deficit to win 8-6.

Southeast scored four runs in the fourth inning, pulled to within 7-5 and trailed 8-6 entering the bottom of the sixth inning.

But the Gamecocks broke things wide open in the sixth with eight runs on seven hits. They poured it on the rest of the way.

The Redhawks had eight hits, led by freshman Aaron Rave with two. Phillip Riley hit his second home run of the season.

Jason Horn paced the Gamecocks with four hits, Clay Whittemore drove in five runs and Richard Turner homered and delivered four RBIs.

Three JSU pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts.

Southeast returns to action Tuesday, visiting Southern Illinois for a 3 p.m. game.