MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Jorhan LaBoy struck out nine Valparaiso hitters over seven innings of work to help propel the Alabama State University baseball (6-3) to a 6-1 win on Friday at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.

In addition to his nine strikeouts, LaBoy (3-0) tossed seven innings, giving up one run on two hits and walking two for Alabama State (5-3). Camden Matthews also made an impact on the mound for the Hornets, throwing two shutout innings while allowing no hits, with no walks and one strikeout.

Offensively, the Hornets were led by Miguel Oropeza, who went 3-for-5 on the day with a double and an RBI. Devin Chandler put together a standout performance as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI. Alex Espaillat also helped out for Alabama State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a walk and two RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets got on the scoreboard first, starting in the third inning. Alabama State's offense started clicking and put up four runs, including a one-run single off the bat of T. Callaway.

The Hornets then held the Beacons scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Alabama State scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Espaillat, which brought the Hornets lead to 5-0.

Valparaiso narrowed Alabama State's lead to 5-1 before the Hornets stretched the advantage to 6-1 in the fifth inning. The score remained 6-1 for the rest of the game, as Alabama State coasted to the win.

GAME NOTES
» Oropeza had three hits in the game for Alabama State.
» LaBoy struck out nine Beacons hitters.
» Every Alabama State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed four runs across.
» Alabama State took the lead at 4-0 in the bottom half of the third and never lost that advantage.
» LaBoy put together seven innings of one-run ball for the Hornets.
» The Hornets outhit the Beacons at an 11-2 clip.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 31 Valparaiso hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out 10.
» The Hornets drew four walks from Valparaiso pitching.
» Oropeza led the Hornets at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a double and an RBI.
» Valparaiso was led offensively by C. Schembra, who went 1 for 3 with a home run and an RBI.
» J. Kafka led the Beacons pitching staff, throwing two shutout innings.

Alabama State and Valpo play game two of the three-game set on Saturday at 6 p.m.