Feb. 18, 2006

Final Stats

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Despite the cold, soggy weather, Alabama State had enough fire to shake off a blown seven-run lead to post a 9-8 victory over Tuskegee at Paterson Field Saturday.

Furquan Shamsud-Din's run-scoring single with one out in the ninth gave the Hornets (3-5) their second walk-off win of the season.

"I guess you have to be happy with the win," ASU manager Larry Watkins said. "It was a crazy game and the bad weather didn't help. I'm glad this one is behind us. Our guys really came through.

"They didn't get down when Tuskegee came back. They hung in there and found a way to win."

The Hornets, which had lost to Tuskegee 21-4 earlier this season, had a seemingly insurmountable 8-1 lead entering the eighth inning. Starting pitcher Josh Froneberger had only allowed two hits and Tuskegee had shown few signs that they were capable of a comeback.

Then it all fell apart.

Froneberger left the game after the seventh and relievers Marlon Ford and Jauquin Respress gave up five walks, four hits and seven runs in the top of the eighth. An 8-1 lead was suddenly an 8-all tie.

"Froneberger threw a helluva game today," Watkins said, "But our other guys just couldn't get anyone out."

In addition to ASU's struggling relief pitching, Tuskegee also took advantage of several Hornet defensive lapses as ASU let three routine fly balls fall to the ground.

"When you have young guys playing new positions, sometimes miscommunication happens," Watkins said.

Tuskegee held the Hornets scoreless in the bottom of the eighth, and headed to the ninth looking to take the lead. But Respress settled down and had a one-two-three inning.

Terry Givens walked and Travis Johnson singled to start the bottom of the ninth. John Stevens' bunt left runners at second and third with only one out. Tuskegee Coach McArthur Shivers elected to intentionally walk hot-hitting Anthony Hall to load the bases before Shamsud-Din's heroics.

"I've been playing baseball a long time," Shamsud-Din said. "That kind of situation isn't new to me. I didn't feel any pressure, the guys in front of me got on base and it was my job to pick them up."

Respress (1-1) picked up the win for the Hornets. Hall drove in four runs. Travis Rayford and Shamsud-Din each had two hits for ASU. David Austin took the loss for Tuskegee.

ASU is back in action Tuesday as the Hornets host Kennesaw State. The game will be played at Paterson Field and first pitch is 12:30 p.m. Admission is free.