Mobile, Al. --- The Georgia Southern Eagles (18-13, 6-6 SBC) split their doubleheader by scores of 6-18 and 9-4, respectively, against the Jaguars of South Alabama (14-17, 4-8 SBC) on Saturday (April 5th).

In game one, the Jaguars proved they were here to compete as they would score 12 runs across the first two innings, while also facing three Eagle pitchers along the way to blow open the game early. The Jaguars would tack on six more runs across the next three innings in the seven-inning contest. 

The Eagles would produce some offense themselves, starting with a four-hit third inning to plate two followed by a Josh Tate solo shot to lead off the fifth inning. The home runs would continue for the Eagles on the day as Sammy Leis would capitalize on his opportunity at the dish late, slamming a two-run bomb for his first career long ball. Juju Stevens would also capitalize off his pinch hit appearance, mashing a ground-rule double down the left field line. 

Although South Alabama had now secured the series with their win, the Eagles would not leave town without a win of their own. On the mound to start the finale, Evan Vandenbosch would have another successful start, potentially proving why he's the most deserving of a starting role. The junior would go three full innings, allowing just three hits and one run, while striking out two Jaguars to boot as well. 

Georgia Southern struck first for the first time on the weekend in a major way. On a 1-0 pitch, Luke Odden would drill a fastball deep over the left field wall for his first home run in an Eagles' uniform, and just the second of his career. Later in the third, the Eagles would take a 3-0 lead off three singles from the middle part of the lineup to plate two.

The score would remain at 3-1 until the bottom of the sixth, when the Eagles would explode for four runs. Tate would mash a two-run homer for his second of the day while two doubles from Nico Senese and Daniel Haab would help to make the score 7-1. Southern would also tack on two clutch insurance runs late to push it to 9-2 heading into the ninth. Three singles for South Alabama in the final frame would give them two runs and plenty of baserunners late, which made way for Carter Degondea to step in for the win. Fortunately for the Eagles, the first batter he would face ripped a line drive right into the glove of Odden, who would turn two on an unsuspecting Jaguars baserunner to escape with a win.

Although losing steam late, Jacob Phillips would have another solid outing in relief. The senior went for 5.1 frames, allowing three runs, seven hits, and striking out four. At the plate across the two games, no man has been more on fire than Odden. The Eagles' second baseman hit 4-7 with three RBIs across the day. Other key performers would come from Josh Tate's 3-4 outing in the series finale, and Daniel Haab's even 4-8 appearance on the two games. 

The Eagles return to J.I. Clements Stadium for their first of two midweek contests, as Jacksonville makes the return trip with the Eagles hoping to avenge their loss from earlier in the season. First pitch in Statesboro is set for 6 PM on Salute to Service Night.