MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama State University baseball team could not overcome the quick start by Jackson State University on Saturday, as Jackson State claimed their second consecutive win in the series 16-1 at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Jackson State (28-11, 14-3 SWAC), who now leads the East Division by one game over the Hornets, scored three runs in the top of the first inning to grab the quick lead. Cornelius Copeland led off the inning with a single, and after Lakon Wilson was called out due to batter interference, Lance Briggs singled up the middle and both runners advanced on an Alabama State error.
Jesus Santana drove both runners home, the first of six RBI on the day for Jackson State, to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead. The lead grew to 3-0 when Sam Campbell singled up the middle to score Santana, before he was thrown out behind the play to end the inning.
Jackson State would score one more in the second to extend the lead to 4-0, before they were able to open the game up in the third with a seven-run inning highlighted by a Santana two-run homerun to left center. Jackson State added a pair of runs in the fourth and fifth innings to push the lead 15-0 before the Hornets could get on the board.
Cage Cox led off the sixth inning with a walk, and advanced to third on a
Chris Biocic one-out double to right center. He later scored on a RBI groundout by
Joshua Dunson.
Alabama State had an early opportunity as they loaded the bases in the bottom of the third inning after
Hunter Phillips led off the inning with a double and
Eriq White drew a walk. After a two-out walk to Cox, the inning ended with a groundout to third.
Alabama State (17-18, 13-4 SWAC) went through four pitchers on the afternoon as starter
Burke Echelmeier (4-4) was knocked from the contest in the third inning. He would go 2.1 innings and allow seven runs (just three earned) off of eight hits.
Patrick Coffin last 0.1 innings and gave up four runs (only one earned) off of three hits. Meanwhile,
Ivanniel Vazquez and
Jon Roblez combined to go 4.1 innings to end the game for Alabama State.
Jonathan Aponte (6-1) picked up the win with a complete game for Jackson State, scattering three hits and recording five strikeouts.
Alabama State has lost three consecutive games to Jackson State in the season series, and today's loss is the worst in the overall series since a 19-4 setback in 2010 – also in Montgomery. The series concludes Sunday afternoon at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex, with first pitch scheduled for 1 pm. The game will be carried by the SWAC Digital Network.
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