HUNTSVILLE, AL – The Alabama State softball team lost a heartbreaker at Alabama A&M 7-6 Friday afternoon at the Lady Bulldog Softball Field.
 
The Lady Hornets (23-24 overall, 14-2 SWAC) had the potential tying and go-ahead runs on second and third base in the seventh inning, but failed to score as ASU dropped its second straight conference game.
 
With one out, Kendall Core singled into left field and Charlene Castro smacked a ball off the second base bag for a double to set the stage.
 
But pinch hitter Alexis Johnson struck out and Carly Evans grounded out to end the game. 
 
Alabama State enjoyed a 5-1 lead early, but allowed four runs in the third and one run in both the fourth and fifth innings. 
 
Jenna Mae Thorne batted 3-for-4 with a home run shy of batting for a cycle.
 
Core and Laura Aguilar each had three hits and Castro added a couple of hits.
 
The Lady Hornets had 15 total hits and combined for seven extra base hits including five doubles and two triples, but allowed home runs to Tiana Sanders and Imani Largin, a two-run double by Viridiana Ramos, a two-run single by Ariela Smith and an eventual winning RBI single by Sierra Smith.
 
Alabama A&M (10-32 overall, 8-8 SWAC) clinched a playoff spot and effectively eliminated Jackson State from playoff contention with the victory. 
 
Up next
Alabama State will conclude the series in Huntsville on Saturday for a noon doubleheader.   
 
#GOHORNETS#