NEW ORLEANS, La. | Alabama State used the long ball to their advantage and a stellar outing from Kyler McIntosh (Columbus, Ind.) out of the bullpen, but it wasn't enough as Southern was able to pull out a 7-6 extra-inning win on Opening Day at the Andre Dawson Classic.

Alabama State (0-1) jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning after Ian Matos (Toa Alta, PR) and Chris Lewis (Alabaster, Ala.) were able to get on base, Corey King (Lithonia, Ga.) launched a three-run home run to right to plate three runs for an early lead. However, Southern was able to get to the Hornets' starter Jeremy Rivera (Toa Alta, PR) in the bottom half of the inning for six runs to take a lead that would stay that way until the ninth inning.

Hunter May (Slidell, La.) launched his first home run of the season to center to trim the deficit to 6-4 in the sixth, before Angel Jimenez (Santo Domingo, DR) hit his first to right in the seventh to pull the Hornets to within a run at 6-5. Alabama State had a chance to tie the game in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and two outs but were unable to push a run across. They loaded the bases again in the ninth inning after a hit, hit-by-pitch and fielding error. They were able to tie the score at 6-all on a King fielder's choice that scored May.

The lead stayed that way until a one-out home run by Gustavo Nava gave Southern the victory.

McIntosh (0-1) suffered the loss in relief, working 6.1 innings and allowing just the one run off four hits. He walked just one batter and struck out nine in relief of Rivera, who worked 3.1 innings in the start and gave up six runs (all earned) on seven hits. Alabama State pounded out 13 hits in the loss, with May (3-for-5) and Lewis (3-for-5) each picking up three hits.

King finished the day 2-for-5 with four runs batted in.

Up Next
Alabama State returns to the diamond on Saturday night at 6 pm against fellow Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) member Florida A&M on day two of the Andrew Dawson Classic. The game will be carried by MLB-TV.

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