JACKSON, Miss. | Alabama State University baseball opened its Southwestern Athletic Conference weekend with a 3-2 victory over Jackson State on Friday evening at Braddy Field.

The Hornets (19-17, 9-7 SWAC) used timely hitting and a strong bullpen performance to secure the one-run win and take an early lead in the three-game series.
Alabama State wasted no time getting on the board in the top of the first inning when Devin Chandler blasted a solo home run to left-center field, giving the Hornets a 1-0 advantage.

The Hornets added to the lead in the fifth inning, manufacturing a run as Fabian Santana scored on a sacrifice fly by Miguel Oropeza to extend the margin to 2-0.
Alabama State pushed across what proved to be the निर्णing run in the sixth inning. With the bases loaded, Chandler drew a walk to bring home Jackson Williams and make it 3-0.

Jackson State (16-21, 6-10 SWAC) chipped away late, capitalizing on an Alabama State error in the seventh inning to score an unearned run. The Tigers added another in the eighth on an RBI double by Isaac McClenty to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Hornets' pitching staff held firm down the stretch. Trey Power entered in the eighth inning and closed the door over the final 1.1 innings to earn his second save of the season.

James Peterson (4-0) picked up the win in relief, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing two runs (one earned) and striking out five. Starter Camden Matthews set the tone early, working 3.1 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

Offensively, Chandler led Alabama State with a 2-for-4 performance, driving in two runs and scoring once. Santana also recorded two hits and scored twice, while Oropeza added an RBI.

Alabama State finished with six hits and drew five walks in the contest.

The two teams will continue the series on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. at Braddy Field.