ITTA BENA, Miss. – Tyler Howe threw a complete game one hitter, walking one and striking out 10, while Yamil Pagan and Carlos Ocasio each had three hits as Alabama State won its third straight SWAC Eastern Division title with a 10-0 win at Mississippi Valley State.
The Hornets (25-14 overall, 17-0 SWAC) won their third consecutive division title in posting back-to-back shutouts as ASU scored 10 or more runs in conference play for the 10th time this season.
"I appreciate the effort and dedication of our players, the work of our staff, and the support of our administration for creating an environment for our program to have success," Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "We're thankful to be able to represent our great institution with utmost dignity and respect."
Howe (7-2) allowed only an infield single to Valley leadoff hitter Drew Wheeler in the first in facing just two batters over the minimum. Howe hit leadoff batter Arrington Smith in the fourth, and walked Marcus Jones in the fifth. Smith, who reached on a fielder's choice in the first inning, was left stranded on base twice, as Jones was picked off to end the fifth. Howe retired the final 12 batters he faced, including striking out the side in the seventh.
"Tyler was amazing," said Melendez of Howe, who posted his second 10-strikeout game this season, both against the Delta Devils (6-29, 4-16). "He was able to locate his fastball and curveball wherever he wanted to. It was a very impressive performance. I'm very proud of his efforts."
Leading 1-0, the Alabama State broke the game open with a five-run fourth. With one out, Hunter Allen hit his fourth home run of the season to left field. Eric White followed with a single, and he later advanced to third as Oscar Prioleau reached on an error. Pagan's sacrifice fly scored White for a 3-0 lead. After Diandre Amion walked and stole second, Ocasio doubled to score Prioleau and Amion. Dillon Cooper then singled, scoring Ocasio for a 6-0 Hornet lead.
"We had key at-bats by several players today," said Melendez of the Hornets' 14-hit attack as White, Cooper, and Chris Biocic each had two hits. "It was another very balanced attack, as we were able to do a little bit of everything offensively."
Game three of the series is Sunday at 1 p.m.
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