JONESBORO, Ark. – No. 10/11 Coastal Carolina erupted for seven runs in the top of the ninth inning to rally past Arkansas State, 10-7, in the series opener on Friday night.

Trailing 7-3 entering the final frame, the Chanticleers mounted a furious comeback.

Rex Watson got things started with an RBI double to cut the deficit to 7-4. Pinch hitter Brayden Horton followed with a clutch two-run triple, scoring Watson and Walker Mitchell to bring Coastal within one at 7-6.

The very next batter, Jordan Taylor, delivered again for the Chants, ripping a game-tying triple to right field to even the score at 7-7.

With Taylor at third, Colby Thorndyke put Coastal in front for good, reaching on a bunt that allowed Taylor to score and give the Chanticleers an 8-7 lead.

Coastal added insurance later in the inning, as Blake Barthol drove in two more runs with a double to extend the lead to 10-7. Barthol also provided a key spark earlier in the game, launching a solo home run in the seventh inning for the Chanticleers' first hit of the night.

On the mound, Connor Kane was credited with the win (2-1), while Ryan Lynch shut the door in the bottom of the ninth, recording the final three outs to secure his third save on the year.

With the victory, Coastal Carolina improves to 25-8 overall and 12-1 in Sun Belt Conference play.

Coastal Carolina and Arkansas State will continue the weekend series on Saturday night, with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.