NEW ORLEANS, La. – The game was long enough to fit two average length baseball games in one. 
 
In a game of twists and turns, two lightning delays that lasted a combined 73 minutes and two heart-pumping rallies, the Hornets finally fell 13-12 in 10 innings to Southern in a SWAC Tournament Second Round instant classic on Thursday at Wesley Barrow Stadium.  
 
ASU demonstrated the mental fortitude of a champion by rallying back from deficits of 8-0 early and 12-9 in their last at bats to force extra innings.
 
After the Hornets led 9-8, Southern recaptured the lead with a three-run seventh that gave them an 11-9 edge. 
 
It added one in the ninth on a solo home run to take a 12-9 lead.
 
The Hornets responded with a three-run ninth when Cesar Rivera's sharply hit two-run single bouncing off the glove of the second baseman. 
 
"I'm so proud of all of you for the way that you were able to come back," ASU coach Mervyl Melendez told his team. "I believe in you.  Our coaching staff believes in you. We were resilient.  We came back from an eight-run deficit and again came back to score three in the ninth.  That shows me character.  We will go out tomorrow again.  We came here to win a championship.  "
 
The Hornets (31-18) will turn around quickly and play Jackson State (31-24) on Friday at 9 a.m. in an elimination game.
 
Southern (19-22) awaits the winner in the 3 p.m. scheduled game on Friday. 
 
After trailing 8-0, the Alabama State bats woke up and stormed back with eight runs on seven hits in the bottom of the fourth inning to get back into it. 
 
Waldyvan Estrada, Chris Biocic and P.J. Harris all picked up RBI doubles on frozen ropes while Yamil Pagan, Ray Hernandez and Rivera all collected singles in the inning. 
 
ASU sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning.
 
#GOHORNETS#