JACKSON, Miss. --The Alabama State Hornets put together a last-chance comeback, scoring six runs in the ninth inning, but the late-game rally came up short and they fell 10-9 to the Jackson State Tigers Friday.
Freshman Jafet Martinez (2-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Alabama State (17-19, 8-8). Junior Jose Almazan was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going six innings, surrendering four runs, zero earned, on five hits, walking two and striking out six.
In the batter's box, the Hornets were led by senior Randy Flores, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a double, two walks and two RBI. Junior Kyler McIntosh compiled a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 3-for-4 with a walk and two RBI. Senior Ali LaPread also contributed for Alabama State, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. Alabama State got an RBI single from LaPread, scoring Flores from third base.
The Hornets lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the second trailing 8-1. Freshman Isaiah Landry's run-scoring single highlighted an inning where Alabama State scored twice, which brought the score to 8-3 in favor of the Tigers.
Jackson State expanded their lead to 10-3 before the Alabama State offense got back to work, reducing that lead to 10-9 in the ninth. The Hornets bats heated up in the inning, scoring six runs, including a two-run single off the bat of McIntosh. The ballgame ended with that ninth inning rally falling short.
GAME NOTES
» McIntosh led the Hornets, amassing three base knocks in the ballgame.
» Every Hornets starter reached base safely in the loss.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed six runs across.
» Five Alabama State hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» Alabama State left 12 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» The Hornets out-hit the Tigers at a 14-9 clip.
» The Hornets got three hits in six at-bats with the bases loaded.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 42 Jackson State hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and six fly balls while striking out seven.
» The Hornets drew eight walks from Jackson State pitching.
» Flores led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
» Jackson State was led offensively by senior Rodney Hibler, who went 1-for-4 with a triple and three RBI.
» Senior Christian Womble led the Tigers pitching staff, throwing one inning of one-run ball.
ˇhe two teams square off in game three of the weekend at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
