MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State Univeristy baseball fell to the Western Illinois, 11-6, despite out hitting the Leathernecks 14-11 on Saturday.
In addition to his seven strikeouts, Martinez (2-1) went five innings, giving up nine runs, four earned, on eight hits and walking two for Alabama State (4-7). Power's five strikeouts came in addition to his 3.1 shutout innings of work where he allowed three hits without surrendering a walk.
In the batter's box, the Hornets were led by junior Devin Chandler, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run, a walk and three RBI. Junior Kelvin Agosto compiled a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 2-for-5 with a double. Freshman Fabian Santana also contributed for Alabama State, putting together three hits in four trips to the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Alabama State got an RBI single from junior Wilbert Espinal, scoring Agosto from third base.
The Leathernecks then rallied to score five runs and take a 5-1 lead before the Hornets got back on the board in the fourth. The Alabama State offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of Chandler, which evened the score at 5-5.
Western Illinois broke that tie and grabbed an 11-5 lead heading into the sixth, when Alabama State narrowed the gap to 11-6. The Hornets were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
GAME NOTES
» The Hornets got three-hit games from both senior Kyler McIntosh and Santana.
» Martinez struck out seven Leathernecks hitters and Power fanned five for Alabama State.
» Hornets pitchers combined to strike out 12 Western Illinois hitters.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed four runs across.
» Four Alabama State hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» Alabama State left 10 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» The Hornets out-hit the Leathernecks at a 14-11 clip.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 45 Western Illinois hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and six fly balls while striking out 12.
» Chandler led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.
» Western Illinois was led offensively by junior Kyree Alexander, who went 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI.
» Junior Eric Rawlings led the Leathernecks pitching staff, throwing two shutout innings.
Alabama State and Western Illinois close out the three game series on Sunday at 12 a.m.
