JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Alabama State University fell behind early to Jacksonville State University before falling 4-0 at University Field Tuesday evening in non-conference action.
 
After Kaylee Davis reached in the top of the first for Alabama State (9-21) and was stranded, Jacksonville State (22-9) struck first in the bottom half of the frame.
 
The Gamecocks' Cadi Oliver doubled down the left field line just out of the reach of a diving Therese Byrne, before advancing to third on a passed ball. She later scored on an infield error by the Lady Hornets for the 1-0 Jacksonville State lead, before the Gamecocks were able to add another run in the first to take 2-0 lead on a wild pitch.
 
From that point the game turned into a pitchers' duel between Alabama State's Justine Jean and Jacksonville State's Taylor West (9-4) through the fourth, with each team getting runners into scoring position.
 
The Lady Hornets threatened in the top of the third inning following a one-out single by Taylor Rosser, who advanced to second on a passed ball by Jacksonville State catcher Jamie McGuire. The sophomore advanced to third on a groundout by Laura Aguilar before West was able to get out of the inning for Jacksonville State.
 
Jacksonville State threatened again in the bottom of the fourth when Taylor Sloan reached on a fielder's choice, before Hayley Sims went up the middle with a two-out single. After both players advanced to second and third on a passed ball, Alabama State starter Justine Jean worked out of the jam getting a ground ball for the final out of the inning.
 
The Gamecocks were able to get Jean in the bottom of the fifth inning, plating a pair of runs on a single and throwing error off of Jean before she gave way to Charlene Castro, who ended the inning with a ground out to the third for the Lady Hornets.
 
Jean (2-8) finished the night in the circle with 4.2 innings pitched and allowed four runs (only one earned) off of just five hits. She also allowed just one walk and three strikeouts – both season bests for the freshman. Castro came out of the bullpen for the 15th time this season, logging 1.1 innings hitless relief and allowing just one hitter to reach via a base on balls.
 
Alabama State returns to action this weekend against Alabama A&M University in a key Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) series, with the first game taking place Friday at 5 pm. The series concludes Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 pm, with all three games taking place at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
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