JACKSONVILLE, Ala. _ The Jacksonville State Gamecocks hit six home runs to down the University of Central Arkansas Bears 12-5 in their ASUN series opener on Friday night at Jim Case Stadium.

The Gamecocks (23-25, 16-9) sealed the game with an eighth-inning grand slam by center fielder T.J. Reeves, his second blast of the day. The Bears were within 8-5 going into that inning, but did not score again after putting up four runs in the fourth inning to tie it at 5-5.

A squeeze bunt by catcher Noah Argenta scored right fielder Kolby Johnson for UCA's first run in the second inning. In the fourth, UCA got a two-run double by freshman Kade Seldomridge, another squeeze bunt by second baseman Tanner Leonard and an RBI double by center fielder Drew Sturgeon.

But the Gamecocks, in fourth place in the ASUN standings, scored one in the bottom of that inning, two in the seventh and four in the eighth to put away the Bears.

UCA finished with nine hits, including two each from Sturgeon, third baseman Mason King and designated hitter Connor Flagg. Junior righthander Jesse Barker (7-3) lost just his third game of the season, allowing five runs while striking out six in 6.1 innings. Will Baker picked up the win in relief for the Gamecocks.

Game 2 is set for 6 p.m. Saturday.