HOUSTON, Texas | Jackson Williams blasted two home runs, and Alabama State received a strong outing on the mound from James Peterson as the Hornets defeated Texas Southern 7-2 on Saturday at MacGregor Park.
Alabama State improved its position in the Southwestern Athletic Conference race behind a balanced offensive effort that featured three home runs and nine total hits.
The Hornets struck first in the opening inning when Niguel Jenkins delivered an RBI single to left field to score Devin Chandler for a 1-0 lead.
Texas Southern answered with two runs in the bottom of the first, taking advantage of an Alabama State error to move in front 2-1.
The Hornets regained control in the third inning. Fabian Santana opened the frame with a single before Alabama State capitalized on a Texas Southern error. Jenkins drove in another run on a fielder's choice as Chandler and Santana both scored to give the Hornets a 3-2 advantage.
Alabama State added to the lead in the fourth inning when Jackson Williams launched a solo home run to left field, extending the margin to 4-2.
The Hornets broke the game open late behind the power bats of Callaway and Williams. Callaway connected on a solo homer in the eighth inning before Williams followed later in the frame with another solo blast to push the lead to 6-2.
Alabama State added an insurance run in the ninth inning when Jenkins singled to center field to score Santana for the final 7-2 margin.
Callaway finished with two home runs and two RBIs, while Williams added two home runs and two RBIs of his own. Jenkins paced the offense with three RBIs on two hits, and Santana went 3-for-4 with two runs scored.
Peterson improved to 6-0 on the season after tossing 7.0 innings. He allowed two runs, only one earned, on nine hits while striking out four and walking two. Peterson stranded multiple Texas Southern scoring opportunities and retired the Tigers in order during the fourth and seventh innings.
Camden Matthews earned his fourth save of the season, throwing the final two innings without allowing a hit. He struck out one while working around three walks.
Alabama State totaled nine hits in the victory while holding Texas Southern scoreless over the final eight innings.
Alabama State Leaders
- Trey Callaway: 2 HR, 2 RBI
- Jackson Williams: 2 HR, 2 RBI
- Niguel Jenkins: 2 H, 3 RBI
- Fabian Santana: 3 H, 2 R
- James Peterson: 7.0 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 SO
- Camden Matthews: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, SV
Alabama State and Texas Southern are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Sunday starting at 10 a.m. to conclude the series.
