Final Boxscore

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Anthony Ricciardi pitched a complete game in leading the Alabama State baseball team to a 5-0 shutout of rival Alabama A&M in the series opener Friday afternoon at Paterson Field.

Ricciardi held the Bulldogs (12-15, 1-7 SWAC) scoreless over nine solid innings of work that included striking out 11 and allowing just five hits. The Hornets (6-8, 2-4 SWAC) collected seven hits and scored all of their runs in one inning.

The two squads battled to a scoreless tie through the first five innings of play but ASU broke things open with five runs on four hits in the sixth. Jorrell Fredericks led the frame off with a single and moved to third after a fielder's choice and a balk. Nykellan Isaac walked and then scored along with Fredericks on a two-run single by Ron James. Curtis Young drove in a run on a fielder's choice and Lloyd Kelly lashed a two-run single to left center to conclude the scoring.

Bulldog reliever Manny Lora posted six strikeouts over 2.1 innings of relief to prevent the Hornets from expanding their lead.

Seven of ASU's nine starters recorded a hit in the game with James and Kelly leading the way with two RBI each. Five different players tallied hits in the loss for A&M.

Bama State and Alabama A&M conclude their weekend set Saturday with a doubleheader slated for Noon at Paterson Field.