JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (Interstat) — The Jacksonville State Gamecocks erupted for eight runs in the seventh inning, turning a close contest into a rout and defeating the Valparaiso Beacons 13-2 in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday at Rudy Abbott Field.

The offensive explosion broke open a game that had been a tight 5-2 pitchers’ duel through six innings, propelled by a dominant start from Jacksonville State’s Beau Bryans and a series of timely hits from the middle of the Gamecocks’ lineup.

Bryans, the top star for Jacksonville State, set the tone with a commanding performance. The right-hander struck out 10 over six innings, allowing just four hits and one earned run. He retired 10 consecutive batters at one point, stifling any Valparaiso momentum after the Beacons had taken an early lead. This outing followed his previous start on March 1 against Memphis, where he threw five no-hit innings.

Valparaiso scratched across its first run in the second inning without a hit. Cal Schembra reached on catcher’s interference, advanced on a throwing error by the pitcher, and scored on another throwing error by the right fielder. The Beacons added a second run in the fourth when Cole Lockwood drove in Schembra with an infield single, briefly tying the game at 2-2.

That tie was short-lived, as Jacksonville State shortstop Caleb Johnson answered immediately in the bottom of the third. After a single by Ace Williamson, Johnson launched a two-run homer to left field, giving the Gamecocks a lead they would not relinquish. Johnson finished the day 3 for 4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs.

The most important part of the game arrived in the bottom of the seventh inning, with Jacksonville State leading 5-2. The Gamecocks sent 13 men to the plate, capitalizing on a weary Valparaiso bullpen. The inning featured four hits, three walks, two hit batters, and a decisive three-run pinch-hit home run. After loading the bases, Ace Williamson was hit by a pitch to force in a run. Caleb Johnson then delivered a two-run single up the middle. The onslaught was capped by pinch-hitter Orlando Peña, who blasted a three-run homer to left field, accounting for the final margin.

Valparaiso starter Nick Baffa was effective but inefficient, allowing two earned runs over four innings despite not surrendering a hit. He walked four and struck out two. The Beacons managed only five hits total, with Lockwood’s 2-for-3, one-RBI performance leading the way.

For Jacksonville State, Williamson reached base in all four plate appearances, going 3 for 3 with an RBI, a stolen base, and was hit by a pitch. Reliever Maddox McDougall struck out the side in the seventh inning to preserve the lead before the offensive breakout.

With the win, Jacksonville State improved its season record to 13 wins and 3 losses. Valparaiso fell to 5 wins and 8 losses. The teams met again in the second game of the doubleheader later Saturday.