MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State got contributions from every part of their lineup and a solid start from Jorhan Laboy in a 9-4 win over University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 9-4 Friday.
Jorhan LaBoy (4-4) got the win for Alabama State (14-15, 5-6). The southpaw went seven innings, giving up one run on seven hits, allowing no walks and striking out six. Zane Baltz also pitched well, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking one, and striking out one.
In the batter's box, the Hornets were led by Niguel Jenkins, who went 3-for-5 on the day with a double, a home run, and an RBI. Breydon Divine also compiled a standout effort, going 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI. Alex Espaillat also chipped in for Alabama State, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding a double and three RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Hornets put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the second inning. Devin Chandler came across to score the lone run of the inning for Alabama State and get them on the board.
After the Golden Lions rallied to tie the ballgame at one, the Hornets came back to retake the lead in the third inning. Alabama State scored three times, with an output that included back-to-back homers from Divine and Jenkins, which brought the Hornets lead to 4-1.
Alabama State held UAPB scoreless before building their lead to 8-1 in the fifth inning. The Hornets bats heated up in the inning, scoring four runs, including a three-run double off the bat of Espaillat.
Alabama State held the Golden Lions scoreless before building on their lead in the seventh inning. Cale Clark crossed home plate with the lone run of the inning for the Hornets, bringing the score to 9-1 in favor of Alabama State. UAPB put three runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but the Hornets still coasted to the 9-4 win.
GAME NOTES
» Jenkins had three base hits in the game for Alabama State.
» LaBoy struck out six Golden Lions hitters.
» The Hornets power output was led by Jenkins, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Every Alabama State starter reached base safely in the win.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed four runs across.
» The Hornets had control of the rest of the game after moving ahead of the Golden Lions 1-0 in the bottom of the second.
» LaBoy put together seven innings of one-run ball for the Hornets.
» Five Hornets had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Hornets out-hit the Golden Lions at a 14-10 clip.
» Alabama State pitchers limited UAPB to just 1-for-13 (.077) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 40 UAPB hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Hornets drew four walks from UAPB pitching.
» Jenkins led the Hornets at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a double, a home run, and an RBI.
Alabama State goes for the series sweep on Saturday at noon.
