JACKSONVILLE, Ala. _ A three-run home run in the first inning carried the Jacksonville State Gamecocks to a 3-1 victory over the University of Central Arkansas Bears in ASUN action Saturday night at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium.

JSU's center fielder T.J. Reeves launched a three-run shot off UCA starter Jesse Barker that provided all the runs the Gamecocks would need. JSU pitchers Isaiah Magwood and Dylan Hathcock then combined to limit the Bears to just four hits on the night. 

Barker (2-6) settled in after that and went four innings, allowing just two more hits and striking out four.

UCA got a run back in the top of the fourth inning when sophomore designated hitter Drew Pollum led off with a double to left center and advanced to third on a fly ball. Junior catcher Noah Argenta followed with a sacrifice fly to right field to score Pollum and get the Bears within 3-1.

But UCA never threatened again until the ninth inning when junior first baseman Hunter Hicks opened the inning with his second double of the night. He got as far as third base before Hathcock recorded the final out to earn his first save.

The deciding game of the series is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.