CHARLESTON, S.C. – Richard Jones’ three-run home run in the face of 25 mph winds blowing in from right field proved to be the game-winner as The Citadel swept Air Force with a 4-1 win Sunday afternoon in front of 853 at Riley Park. The victory marked head coach Fred Jordan’s 600th career win as he became the fastest coach to reach 600 wins in Southern Conference history, doing so in less than 18 full seasons.

Jones’ three-run home run, his third home run of the series, broke open a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Bulldogs (14-9) swept an opponent for the first time this season. Air Force returns to Colorado after dropping to 8-17 on the year, having lost six of their seven games played over the past week in the South.

Raymond Copenhaver (2-1) earned the win in relief after holding the Falcons hitless over 2.1 innings as he struck out two. Drew Mahaffey (3) earned his third save of the season and the weekend as he allowed only one hit in four batters faced in the ninth, striking out one. Freshman TJ Clarkson got the start, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing one run in the no decision.

Andrew Loyd (1-1) took the loss after allowing all four runs on seven this while walking three and striking out one.

Air Force took the 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth as Addison Gentry’s RBI double to the left field corner scored Parker Mayo. The Bulldogs knotted the game up at 1-1 in the bottom half of the inning as Trey Thomas doubled down the left field line, then scored one batter later as Sid Fallaw hit an RBI single to right center field.

In the sixth inning, Nick Orvin led off with a single and then promptly stole second. Sonny Meade was intentionally walked to set up the Jones vs. Loyd, lefty vs. lefty, match-up. Jones sent a 3-2 pitch towering over the Palmetto trees beyond the fence in the face of 25 mph winds blowing directly in from right field.

The Citadel returns to action on Tuesday, March 31 as the Bulldogs host South Carolina at 7 p.m. at Riley Park. Tickets are still available for that game and can be purchased by calling (843) 953-DOGS (3647) or by visiting CitadelSports.com.

Tuesday’s game against South Carolina will be broadcast on The Citadel Sports Network with Darren Goldwater calling the play-by-play. In Charleston, the game will be carried by ESPN Radio 910 AM The Team. Live video of the game will also be available on Bulldog Insider at CitadelSports.com.

For complete coverage of Bulldog Baseball, please visit the official home of The Citadel Athletics at CitadelSports.com.