The Alabama State baseball team rallied from a six run first-inning deficit and a seven run fourth-inning deficit to defeat Georgia State 14-9 Tuesday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
After falling behind 9-2, Alabama State (8-16) chipped away at the deficit, scoring three runs in the fourth, one run in the sixth and eight runs in the eighth to shock the Panthers (9-13).
“We've talked about wanting our team to be known for not being out of any ball game and today was a prime example,” head coach
Mervyl Melendez said. “We were down 9-2 early in the ball game and our guys never gave up. You have to give a lot of credit to our guys.”
Trailing 9-6 in the eighth,
Einar Muniz' bases-loaded single to center field drove in
Darrion Pedro and
Emmanuel Marrero, who had each walked, to cut the deficit to 9-8.
Richard Amion followed with a single to center field to score
Ryan Epperson, who had singled, to tie the game at 9-9. After
Richard Gonzalez was intentionally walked to again load the bases, Muniz scored on a wild pitch to give the Hornets their first lead at 10-9.
Jordan Mims worked the count to 3-2 before hitting a single to right field, scoring Amion and Gonzalez, to extend the lead to 12-9.
Waldyvan Estrada followed with his second home run of the game, a two-run shot to left center, to cap the rally for the final margin.
Greg Matthews (2-4) was strong out of the bullpen, stemming the Panthers' tide after entering the game in the first inning. He pitched 7 1/3 innings in relief, scattering nine hits, allowing only three runs (two earned), walking none and striking out four.
“He had a tough situation in the first inning, with runners in scoring position, and got out of the inning with minimal damage,” Melendez said. “They scored a couple of runs after that, but he settled down. He was able to locate his pitches well and he gave us a chance.”
Epperson and Gonzalez each went 3-for-4 at the plate for the Hornets. Pedro hit his second home run of the season in the sixth inning and joined Muniz, and Estrada with two hits apiece.
The Hornets return to Southwestern Athletic Conference play Saturday at Mississippi Valley State in a 1 p.m. doubleheader.
