NEW ORLEANS, La. | Jason Alvarez kept Alabama State off-balance in the final game of the Andre Dawson MLB Classic, as the Hornets were held to just four hits in a 3-1 loss to Grambling State in non-conference contest at Wesley Barrow Stadium Sunday evening.
Alabama State (2-1) was able to get to Alvarez in the first inning with a run after a pair of walks to take a 1-0 lead, but that was all they could get against the Grambling State (2-1) starter. Alvarez allowed just four hits in five innings of work, while Alabama State starter
Breon Pooler – who did not factor in the decision – went five innings and struck out seven.
The Tigers were able to get three runs off the Alabama State bullpen in the contest, scoring all three in the sixth.
Chris Lewis was one of three Hornets to get a hit in the contest, with the sophomore going 2-for-3 in the loss.
Vital Statistics
WP – Jason Alvarez (1-0) – 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 10 K
LP –
AJ Stinson (0-1) – 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB
2B – Drexler Macaay. HBP –
Cameron Hearn; Michael Sookdeo. SF - Isaiah Torres. SB –
Noel Cheneau;
Chris Lewis.
How it Happened
Alabama State jumped out early on Grambling State with a run in the first – the third consecutive game with a run in the opening frame – after a leadoff walk to
Yamil Pagan. The senior moved to second after a walk to
Eriq White, before both runners moved up 90 feet on a wild pitch by Grambling State.
After a strikeout,
Santiago Garcia delivered with an RBI groundout to score Pagan from third for the early 1-0 lead for Alabama State.
Breon Pooler, who did not factor into the decision, kept Grambling State off the scoreboard for five innings as he allowed just a pair of hits and struck out seven. He gave way to
AJ Stinson in the top of sixth, and Grambling State was able to get to the freshman in the inning for three runs.
The Tigers tied the game on a sacrifice fly by Torres to score Macaay from third, before a bases loaded walk to Ace Felder gave Grambling State the 2-1 lead. The Tigers picked up an insurance run on an RBI groundout by Garrett Smith for the final margin.
Noteworthy
Pooler made his collegiate debut on the hill for Alabama State and logged 5.0 innings, while throwing 82 pitches on the night. He struck out struck out seven, while walking just two in the win.
Stinson (0-1) made his collegiate debut Sunday night, lasting just 0.1 innings and allowing one hit. He also allowed three runs (all earned) and walked four in the loss.
Alabama State used just three pitchers in the loss, with
Nate Gerard throwing a career-high 2.2 innings, allowing just one walk and striking out five in scoreless relief.
The Hornets recorded a pair of stolen bases on the night (
Noel Cheneau and
Chris Lewis), while recording four hits in the loss. They also left eight runners on base.
What's Next
Alabama State hits the road for a pair of midweek road games, beginning Tuesday in Mobile (Ala.) against South Alabama with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 pm.
The Hornets will then travel to Tuscaloosa (Ala.) for a Wednesday tilt with Alabama, with first pitch scheduled for 3 pm.
Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University baseball, follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateBB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
