The rivalry that is Alabama State and Alabama A&M expands to Birmingham on the baseball diamond as the Hornets and Bulldogs play a key three-game series at historic Rickwood Field this weekend.
 
The Inaugural Magic City Diamond Classic will open Friday with a 5 p.m. single game ahead of Saturday's 3 p.m. doubleheader, with a live radio broadcast of all three games on bamastatesports.com.
 
The Hornets (27-12 overall, 15-3 SWAC) saw a 12-game winning streak end in Birmingham with a 6-2 loss at Samford on Tuesday. Despite Alabama State's first loss in April, head coach Mervyl Melendez is pleased with the even-keeled mental approach his team has displayed in practice in the last few days.
 
"Our mindset has been the same," Melendez said. "We were close on Tuesday. The game got away from us at one point early (falling behind 3-0), but our players understand baseball. Sometimes, you're going to have games like that which are a little bit outside of your control. It was a 3-2 game in the bottom of the eighth. We made quality pitches and you have to give Samford credit in that they were ready for them. We've been able to work on that in the last few days in getting ready for this weekend."
 
This is the second series meeting between the Hornets and Alabama A&M (22-23, 14-7), with Alabama State winning two of three games at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex on March 21-22. The Bulldogs are coming off a series loss this past weekend at Jackson State, and possess a potent offensive attack. The Hornets and Bulldogs are tied for the SWAC lead with 33 home runs.
 
"As I've said before many times, each game brings a different challenge to you," Melendez said. "We certainly know what Alabama A&M is about. They are a very good offensive ball club, with some power in the lineup and the challenges that brings to our pitchers. We have to get our staff ready for that. We understand the importance of every weekend, with the goal of winning every game and playing well."
 

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