Box Score South Alabama scored in the first three innings of the series opener against FIU to fuel an 8-1 victory over the Panthers on Friday night in Mobile, Alabama.

The Jaguars (23-8, 6-4 Sun Belt) scored three runs in the bottom of the first and second innings and added a run in the third to build a 7-0 lead. The Panthers (17-13, 5-5 SBC) loaded the bases in the top of the second and third innings but could not push a run across.

FIU scored its run in the top of the eighth inning when Josh Anderson doubled to center and T.J. Shantz followed with a double down the left field line to score Anderson.

Nathan Burns, Anderson and Shantz each was 2 for 4 as the Panthers collected nine hits.

Left-hander Tyler Alexander started for FIU and allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched. Freshman right-hander Chris Elander went the rest of the way pitching 3 1/3 innings and allowing one run.

FIU and South Alabama play game two of the three-game series on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.