JACKSON, Miss. | A late comeback attempt came up just short Sunday afternoon as the Alabama State University baseball team fell 9–6 to Jackson State at Braddy Field.

Trailing 9–4 entering the ninth inning, the Hornets pushed across two runs and had the tying runs on base before Trey Callaway's sharply hit line drive was snagged in center field to end the game.

Alabama State (20‑18, 10‑8 SWAC) struck first with a run in the second inning when Jackson Williams lifted a sacrifice fly to right, allowing Niguel Jenkins to score. Jackson State answered with two runs in the third and broke the game open with a five‑run fourth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues and wild pitches to take a 7–1 lead.

The Hornets chipped away in the sixth inning, plating three unearned runs. Fabian Santana scored on a fielder's choice, Devin Chandler came home on Miguel Oropeza's sacrifice fly, and Jenkins added an RBI single to cut the deficit to 7–4.

Jackson State added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend the lead to 9–4 before Alabama State mounted its final rally.

In the ninth, Alex Espaillat drew a bases‑loaded walk to force in a run, followed by Oropeza's sacrifice fly to center to make it 9–6. Jackson State reliever Kade Walker then retired Callaway on a line out to end the threat and secure the save.

Joe Dolinshek (0‑2) took the loss for Alabama State after allowing three runs in three innings. James Peterson worked 3.2 innings of relief, giving up four runs (one earned). Zane Baltz tossed a scoreless eighth inning.

Derek Arrocha (3‑4) earned the win for Jackson State, holding the Hornets to four runs over eight innings while striking out nine. Walker recorded his second save of the season.

Santana led Alabama State at the plate, going 3‑for‑3 with two runs scored. Jenkins finished 3‑for‑4 with two RBIs

The Hornets will return to action on Tuesday against Mercer University in Macon, Ga.