STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Alabama State women's softball team could not overcome a big first inning by Mississippi State University, falling 10-0 in non-conference action at Nusz Park Thursday night.
Mississippi State (13-3) used an eight-run first inning to pull away from Alabama State (3-10) in the non-conference contest. The Bulldogs first eight hitters reached base in the top of first inning off Alabama State starter
Charlene Castro.
After the Bulldogs' big first inning, the Lady Hornets were able to get a runner on in the second when
Kendall Core drew a lead-off walk off of Mississippi State pitcher Cassady Knudsen. However, she was stranded on first when Knudsen retired the next three batters with strikeouts – giving her six through innings.
Mississippi State was able to run a run in each of the second and third innings to extend the lead for the Bulldogs; however, not before Alabama State second baseman
Laura Aguilar got a workout at second base defensively. The senior recorded three assists in the second and third innings, including making a diving stop to her right and throwing to first off her stomach for an out.
The Lady Hornets were able to get another runner on when
Perry Hindi drew a one-out walk, but was stranded at first in the fourth inning.
Castro (0-3) suffered the loss, logging two innings and allowing nine runs off of 11 hits with one strikeout.
Vanessa Bradford came out of the bullpen to log two innings and allowed just one run off of two hits with a strikeout.
Kat Moore, Reggie Harrison, Sarai Niu and Katie Anne Bailey led Mississippi State with two hits each. Knudsen (2-2) earned the win with five complete innings, allowing just two runners to reach base for the Lady Hornets and striking out 11.
Alabama State returns to action this weekend, hosting Loyola-Chicago at 3 pm, followed by North Carolina A&T Saturday. The Lady Hornets will also face the same two teams at the same times on Sunday.
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