TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | Alabama State University struck out 13 batters and outhit the University of Alabama 7-5, but two unearned runs proved costly in a 2-1 loss to the Crimson Tide on Wednesday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.
Alabama State (2-2) received a strong performance from its pitching staff, which combined for 13 strikeouts and allowed just five hits. Starter Jaxon Baptist (0-1) took the loss despite surrendering only two runs — both unearned — on four hits over 4.1 innings. He walked two and struck out seven.
Camden Matthews was dominant in relief, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out six. Zane Baltz recorded the final out in the eighth.
The Hornets grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Breydon Divine delivered an RBI single to center, scoring Alex Espaillat, who reached earlier in the frame. Alabama State finished with seven hits but stranded 10 runners.
Alabama answered with unearned runs in the third and fifth innings to take a 2-1 lead. The tying run scored in the third after a throwing error allowed a runner to advance and cross the plate, while a passed ball in the fifth brought home the eventual game-winning run.
Top Performers — Alabama State
The Hornets' pitching staff matched Alabama with 13 strikeouts, as both teams' pitchers dominated throughout the contest.
Alabama State opens play in the 18th Andre Dawson Classic against Florida A&M on Friday at 6 p.m.
