AUGUSTA, Ga. – Left-handed junior Will Thompson struck out nine batters to lead the Augusta Jaguars (13-6, 5-1 PBC) in a shutout win over Young Harris College (6-11, 1-8 PBC) in game three of the Peach Belt Conference series Sunday at Lake Olmstead Stadium.

The Jags knocked 15 hits to score 13 runs and take the series, after winning game one 16-8 and falling to YHC in game two 6-5.

Thompson (2-1) faced 34 batters in his 7.0 innings of work and struck out nine, while allowing seven hits and giving up five walks. 

After the game Head Coach Jason Eller expressed satisfaction with his pitcher.

"We're really proud of Will and his performance today. He pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the first inning and really showed some confidence and some guts," Eller said. "He pitched to contact, trusted his defense, and had nine strikeouts on the day.  We're really glad he's on our team."

Sophomore righty Michael Livingston started on the mound for YHC and pitched 4.2 innings.  The Mountain Lions recorded eight hits, but couldn't find a way to score, stranding 16 batters over the course of the day.

Senior Drew Taylor led the day on the offensive side for the Jags.

"Drew got a big hit to get us going and break the tie in the second inning.  We're proud of him; that was a big swing," Eller said. Taylor went 3-5 with four RBI and crossed the plate twice.

Several of the Jags had hot bats in game three, with senior Connor Gilbert, junior Tyler Roberts, and sophomores Jim Wagner and Brent Alford all slapping doubles. Senior Hunter Boose, juniors Clint Hardy and Roberts, and Wagner all had two hits each, while seniors Nick Rau, Connor Gilbert, and Cole Thompson all had a hit in the game as well.

"It was a great win for our team.  We really needed it.  It was the first rubber match of the conference season. To be able to win it, and win it in the fashion that we did, is a great feeling."

The Jaguars take on Southern Indiana at the Lakepoint Sports Complex in Emerson, Ga., in a mid-week game, Tuesday, March 8 at 4:00 p.m. before heading to Greenwood, S.C. this weekend for a PBC series against Lander University.

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