MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Junior Kyler McIntosh racked up four hits to help the Alabama State University to a 9-1 over the Valparaiso in the series finale on Sunday.
Freshman Jafet Martinez (1-0) got the win for Alabama State (2-2). The right-hander went five innings, giving up one run on three hits, allowing no walks and striking out four. Sophomore Alex Burden also pitched well, going three shutout innings without allowing a hit, walking none and striking out two.
In addition to his four hits, McIntosh had two doubles and an RBI to lead the Hornets. Freshman Juan Cruz furnished a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-5 with three RBI. Freshman Quentin Jenkins also helped out for Alabama State, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding two RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets were trailing 1-0 in the second inning when they first put runs on the board. Senior Ali LaPread came across to score the lone run of the inning for Alabama State and get them on the board.
The score stayed at 1-1 until the fourth inning, when the Hornets put runs on the scoreboard once again. Jenkins' run-scoring single highlighted an inning where Alabama State scored twice, which brought the Hornets lead to 3-1.
Alabama State held Valparaiso scoreless before building their lead to 4-1 the following inning. The Hornets scored once on an RBI single off the bat of McIntosh.
Alabama State held the Beacons without a run before building on their lead in the seventh inning. The Hornets scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Cruz, bringing the score to 5-1 in favor of Alabama State.
The Hornets held Valparaiso without a run before building on their lead to 9-1 the following inning. The Alabama State offense piled up four runs, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of Cruz and a two-run single from senior Jack Hay. The score remained 9-1 for the rest of the game, as the Hornets coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» McIntosh racked up four hits on the day for Alabama State.
» The Hornets power output was led by McIntosh, who had two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Every Alabama State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the eighth, when it pushed four runs across.
» Four Hornets had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Hornets out-hit the Beacons at a 13-3 clip.
» Alabama State went 5-for-16 (.313) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 31 Valparaiso hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out seven.
» McIntosh led the Hornets at the plate, going 4-for-5 with two doubles and an RBI.
» Valparaiso was led offensively by senior Kyle Schmack, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
UP NEXT: Alabama State plays the University of Alabama on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Sewell Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
