Prior to the much anticipated series with Eastern Division leading Jackson State, Southern catcher Clint Ourso knew what was at stake.
“We’re No. 1 on our side. They’re No. 1 on their side. Who’s going to be No. 1 overall?”
After the two-game series was over, the Western Division front-running Jaguars established themselves as the clear-cut No. 1. Jackson State begrudgingly took the rear seat.
Southern (28-14) tagged Jackson State ace Quintavious Drains, who came into the start with a 2.73 ERA, with seven earned runs in 42/3 innings in the opening game as the Jaguars routed the Tigers 14-4 Saturday.
Round two at Lee-Hines Field Sunday in Baton Rouge didn’t go any better for Jackson State (28-14) as Southern toppled the Tigers 8-2 for their 13th straight win behind Jose De Leon’s seven shutout innings, and a 3-for-4, three RBI performance by shortstop Jeremy Lopez.
For the series, Southern outscored Jackson State 22-6.