SPARTANBURG, S.C. | Alabama State was unable to overcome six runs over two combined innings by the home team, falling to USC Upstate 9-2 in non-conference action at Harley Field Friday night.

USC Upstate (21-22) was able to use small ball in the second inning after an infield hit, as they put together four bunts in the inning and used an Alabama State error to build a 3-0 lead. They would three more in the second to push the lead to 6-0, before the Hornets could respond.

Alabama State (25-23) strung together four hits in the top of the sixth inning to put two runs on the board, using an RBI double by Santiago Garcia and an RBI single by Angel Jimenez to trim the deficit to 6-2. However, the Spartans added a pair in the bottom of the sixth and another in the seventh for the final margin.

Darren Kelly (5-2) suffered the loss, working 2.0-plus innings and allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits. He walked four and struck out a pair, before giving way to Alexander Castro. The sophomore worked the final 6.0 innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on 10 hits with three strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Jordan Marks (5-6) picked up the win for USC Upstate, working 7.0 innings and allowing two runs (both earned) on nine hits with six strikeouts while walking just one. Caleb Matthews worked the final two innings in relief for USC Upstate.

Garcia recorded his first four-hit game of the year, finishing 4-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, while Cameron Hearn (2-for-4) and Yamil Pagan (2-for-5) each finished with multiple hits.

The same two teams meet Saturday afternoon at 2 pm (est) in the second game of the series that will be carried on the Hornet Sports Network.

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