The negative momentum Texas State has had for a good part of April spiraled into May as they dropped the opening game of the weekend 6-2 against the South Alabama Jaguars Friday evening at Irvine-Rasmussen Ballpark.
The Jaguars (28-18, 12-10 SBC) won their third consecutive game as they took advantage of Texas State’s (27-19, 10-12 SBC) cold bats with duel-pitching performances from Mitchell Herr and Zach Stevens, who combined struck out 11 Bobcats and limited them to a singular run on 10 hits and two walks.
On the other hand, Texas State has continued to tumble down with sophomore first basemen Ethan Farris sidelined and the offense and pitching now sputtering out of control.
Things did not start well for the Bobcats as South Alabama’s junior third basemen Stewart Puckett doubled to center field, scoring an RBI double. The Jaguars tacked on another run as senior first baseman Blake Guerin hit a single to left center, allowing Puckett to score, giving South Alabama the early lead of 2-0, in the top of the first.
As the top of the second rolled around, a series of errors and wild pitches allowed South Alabama to bring in three additional runs, extending the lead to 5-0.
In the bottom of the third, Texas State brought back some momentum as junior designated hitter Jaquae Stewart hit an RBI single to right field, cutting the defecit 5-1.
This score held into the top of the eighth inning until South Alabama’s junior centerfielder Ethan Melton hit an RBI single up the middle, pushing the lead to 6–1.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Bobcats got one run back as senior rightfielder Rashawn Galloway delivered an RBI single of his own, making it 6-2.
However, despite outhitting the Jaguars, Texas State failed to comeback and ultimately losing their second consectutive game.
Dating back to their matchup against Houston Christian on April 14, the Bobcats have lost seven of their last 10 games.
Texas State will look to improve their position as the season begins to further wind down and prevent a total collapse, with a potential elimination from the SBC Tournament is still a possibility.
The first pitch of game two against South Alabama is slated for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Irvine-Rasmussen Ballpark. The game will be streaming on ESPN+.
