HUNTSVILLE –
Ray Hernandez hit a pair of three-run homers, had three hits, and drove in a career-high six runs as Alabama State beat Alabama A&M 16-4 in seven innings Saturday at Bulldog Field.
Hernandez had the first two-homer game of his career, and
Dillon Cooper homered for the second straight game as the Hornets (18-12 overall, 11-0 SWAC) never trailed in their second straight run-rule win over the archrival Bulldogs (6-23, 3-7).
Cooper gave Alabama State a lead it would not relinquish, as his three-run homer to left field, his fourth of the season, gave the Hornets a first-inning lead.
"Cooper took advantage of a pitch up in the zone, and was able to hit it well," ASU head coach
Mervyl Melendez said. "His big hit got us started."
The Hornets doubled their lead in the third, all with two outs. Cooper walked, and
Chris Biocic singled ahead of Hernandez' three-run shot to left give Alabama State a 6-0 lead.
Leading 7-1 after four innings, the Hornets added four runs in the fifth.
Oscar Prioleau's two-run double to center was the highlight of the inning, as ASU lead 11-1 after five.
In the sixth, Hernandez hit his second three-run homer, this time to center field, to highlight a five-run inning as the Hornets made it a 16-1 lead.
Tyler Howe (5-2) won his fifth straight decision, allowing just three and one unearned run, walking none and striking out seven in five innings of work.
"Tyler pitched very well," Melendez said. "He was able to keep the ball down and locate his pitches in the zone."
The final game of the series is Sunday at 1 p.m.
