JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University baseball dropped the opening game of the weekend series to North Alabama 9-7 on Friday at John Sessions Stadium.
 
The Dolphins (20-14, 6-4) surrendered eight runs in the top of the ninth.
 
"No matter how you get knocked down, you've got to get back up and compete," said Head Coach Chris Hayes. "We've had as much adversity here as we've faced all season, and it's a great opportunity for our team to show what they're made of."
 
North Alabama struck first. A leadoff walk was erased in the second thanks to a failed hit and run resulting in a double play, but a two-out double, followed by another walk led to an RBI single through the left side to put the Lions up 1-0.
 
JU responded in the third. Cory Garrastazu led off with a single, and went to second when Duncan Hunter walked. Ruben Someillan hit a grounder to first that was misplayed, leading to a run scoring and tying it at one. Scott Dubrule then hit a chopper to the third baseman, which he dropped as he tried to throw home putting JU ahead 2-1. Angel Camacho grounded out, plating another run and the Dolphins held a 3-1 lead after three.
 
JU added insurance in the sixth. Jacob Southern and John Cassala were both hit by pitches and Garrastazu roped a two-out single to right field to plate them both and extended the lead to 6-1.
 
Southern homered to left to begin the eighth and JU led 7-1 heading into the ninth. Four different Jacksonville pitchers combined to surrender eight runs on five hits, with three walks and an error mixed in to doom the Dolphins.
 
Jacksonville looks to bounce back and even the series at 2 p.m. tomorrow.