JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  | Alabama State University got three hits from Juan Cruz in a 5-2 loss to the North Florida Ospreys at Dusty Rhodes Stadium on Friday.

Junior Jorhan Laboy (1-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Alabama State (5-10). The left-hander went six innings, giving up four runs, two earned, on six hits, allowing three walks and striking out seven. Junior Caleb Sanders was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit.

In addition to his three hits, Cruz had an RBI to lead the Hornets. Junior Devin Chandler put together a standout effort as well, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Junior Kelvin Agosto also helped out for Alabama State, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a double.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets were trailing 1-0 in the third inning when they first put runs on the board. Alabama State got an RBI single from Cruz, scoring freshman Fabian Santana from third base.

The Ospreys broke the tie and re-took the lead heading into the eighth inning, when the Hornets got back on the scoreboard. Alabama State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Chandler, which tightened the Ospreys lead to 4-2. The Hornets were unable to get any closer, as North Florida added one run to their tally on the way to a 5-2 final.

GAME NOTES
» Cruz led the Hornets, compiling three hits and one RBI.
» The Hornets out-hit the Ospreys at a 10-7.
» Alabama State went 4-for-12 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers limited North Florida to just 2-for-16 (.125) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 38 North Florida hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» North Florida was led offensively by senior Cade Bush, who went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
» Junior Will Ross led the Ospreys pitching staff, throwing seven innings of one-run ball.

Alabama State and North Florida will wrap up the series with a doubleheader at 12 p.m. on Saturday.