SAN MARCOS, Texas – Junior Chase Mora hit his 31st career home run Thursday night in the series opener against James Madison. It would be the Dukes claiming the contest 9-4 at Bobcat Ballpark but with South Alabama's loss, Texas State clinched a spot in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

With the result, TXST is now 25-28 on the season and 13-15 in conference play while JMU is now 16-37 and 9-19 in the Sun Belt.

Tyler Muscar (2-3) claimed the win after tossing an inning of relief with two strikeouts and giving up two runs. Brode Susce threw 3.2 shutout frames with four punch outs to earn his first save of the season. Taking the loss was Matthew Tippie (2-1) as he gave up five runs on five hits and two walks while retiring just two batters.

Bryson Dudley threw a career-high 4.1 innings without allowing a run and recording four strikeouts out of the bullpen. Braylen Timmins had two strikeouts in 2.1 scoreless innings and Jackson Mayo tossed a shutout frame.

The lone Bobcat with multiple hits was Rashawn Galloway, who had two singles. Mora drove in three runs on the night and Ryne Farber plate a run. Also with an extra-base hit was Coy DeFury with a double.

JMU's struck first with four runs in the first as the first four batters reached via base knocks.

The score stayed the same until the bottom of the fifth. Travis Bragg drew a one out walk and Samson Pugh followed with a single down the right field line. After Alan Shibley drew a free pass to load the bases, Farber hit a slow roller to the second baseman. The Dukes got an out at second but the sophomore shortstop beat the throw to first that allowed Bragg to score.

A 2-0 offering to Mora was sent 393 feet to left field for a three-run homer that tied the game. The 31st career long ball for the Tomball, Texas native moved him into a tie for third in program history with Case Kalenkosky.

JMU responded with five runs in the top of the sixth for the final runs of the game.

Texas State's best chance to cut into the deficit came in the bottom of the frame. Galloway singled, Dawson Park drew a walk and Bragg was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Pugh hit a 2-2 pitch back up the middle that saw the Dukes' shortstop dive and knock the soft liner down. The visitors were able to turn the rare 6-4-5 double play to end the inning.

Game two of the series is schedule for a 6 p.m. first pitch on Friday.

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