Coastal Carolina Clinches South Alabama Series in Walkoff Fashion

No. 14 Coastal Carolina endured a rollercoaster weekend against South Alabama, showcasing both its explosive potential and resilience.

The Chanticleers opened the series with a dominant seven-inning run-rule victory on Thursday night, before stumbling in a 15–2 loss on Friday. Coastal responded when it mattered most, however, delivering a walk-off win in the series finale to secure the weekend.

In Thursday night’s series opener, Coastal starter Luke Jones turned in another dominant outing, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing just two hits, walking three and striking out five to earn the win.

Offensively, the Chanticleers seized control early, plating seven runs over the first three innings. The Chanticleers generated production throughout the lineup.

Jordan Taylor, Blagen Pado and Ty Barrango paced the offense with two hits apiece, while Barrango finished 2-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs. Dean Mihos also contributed with a pair of RBIs.

Game two belonged entirely to South Alabama, as the Jaguars handed the Chanticleers their first Sun Belt Conference loss since April 6, 2025, against Arkansas State. Coastal had entered the contest riding a 32-game winning streak against conference opponents.

The Jaguars jumped out in front early and never looked back, scoring five runs in the first two innings.

All nine South Alabama hitters recorded at least one hit, combining for 18 total knocks in the 15-run outburst. Six Jaguars turned in multi-hit performances: Brennon Wright, Stewart Puckett, Mike Young, Marc Stephens, Rett Johnson and Ethan Melton.

Puckett led the way for the Jaguar offense, recording his fifth homer of the season in a season-high four-hit day with four RBIs.

Senior first baseman Blake Guerin launched his eleventh home run of the season and tallied three RBIs in the win.

Coastal starter Ross Norman was credited with the loss, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits through 5.0 innings pitched.

The Chanticleers rallied late to secure an 8-7 walk-off win and clinch the weekend series over the Jaguars.

Trailing 1-0 early, the Chanticleers answered in the third inning with a four-run surge, highlighted by back-to-back two-run home runs from Mihos and Rex Watson, giving Coastal a 4-1 lead.

Coastal extended its power display in the fourth inning when Brice Estep launched his fifth homer of the season, pushing the lead to 5-1. The Chanticleers would later stretch their advantage to 6-1 before South Alabama orchestrated a late comeback.

The Jaguars responded with six runs over the fifth and sixth innings, including a five-run sixth, seizing a 7–6 lead and swinging the momentum in their favor.

The score held until the bottom of the ninth, when Coastal capitalized on a throwing error following a bunt by Pado to tie the game. Estep came through in the clutch, lacing an RBI single to left field to score the winning run and secure the walk-off victory for the Chanticleers.

Coastal Carolina returns to action on Tuesday night, traveling to Durham, N.C., for the second game of its three-game season series against Wake Forest.

The Jaguars continue the road stretch on Wednesday, April 8, with a midweek contest at Alabama State.