MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Morgan Gaither hit her first home run of the season, but it wasn't enough as Alabama State dropped an 8-6 non-conference contest to Alabama A&M in the Black & Gold Tournament Friday afternoon at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.

Alabama State (0-5) trailed 8-4 headed to the seventh inning when Gaither blasted a pitch over the centerfield wall to trim the deficit before Alabama A&M (1-1) was able to stop the rally for the win.

The Hornets fought from behind most of the night, plating three runs in the bottom of the third inning after falling behind 4-0. Gaither singled to left to score Jaeda Gardner with the first run for Alabama State and trimmed the lead to 4-1, and that was followed up by an RBI groundout off the bat of Jazmine Dodd to score Madison Myers. The final run of the inning came on a passed ball to trim the deficit to 4-3.

However, Alabama A&M scored three in the top of the fourth to widen the gap and hold on for the win. Gaither finished the night 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored and three runs batted, while Myers finished 2-for-4 with a run scored. Myers (0-2) suffered the loss, working 3.0 innings and allowing four runs off of six hits. She also recorded four strikeouts and did not walk a batter.

The tournament continues Saturday, with the games carried on the Hornet Sports Network.

Only those listed on the player pass list will be allowed inside the Barbara Williams Softball Complex this season due to social distant seating and COVID-19 protocols. No tickets will be sold at any time for the venue, and masks are mandatory while visiting the Alabama State University campus and its athletic venues.

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