Alcorn State, MS--The Braves took care of business against SWAC opponent Grambling as defeated the Tigers, 9-7 in mid-week action.
The Braves struck first as Eduardo Gonzalez scored off of Rodney Warren's RBI single. Alcorn continued to roll off runs as
Angel Rosa's single scored Rodney Warren. Third basemen, Antolin Morales' RBI single scored Jann Butler to provide the final run of the first inning.
With Alcorn's defense and pitching holding steady for the first three innings, the Braves coasted a 3-0 lead over Grambling.
The Tigers scored in the top of the fourth inning with a sacrifice from Brown which scored Longoria to make the score, 3-1.
Alcorn had an outstanding fourth inning as
Christian Hickman,
Alvin Jackson,
Justin Barney and Eduardo Gonzalez all scored while
Justin Barney, Eduardo Gonzalez and Rodney Warren picked up the RBIs to have a 7-1 over Grambling.
With no score in the fifth inning by either team, the Tigers tried to things going in the sixth as Farmer doubled. At next bat, Brown singled and Farmer's attempt to score was short-lived as centerfielder
Alvin Jackson made an amazing throw to home plate tagging Farmer out on the play. Alcorn turned a double play with Grambling's next at bat to end the inning.
The Braves added one run in the home half of the sixth inning as Eduardo Gonzalez scored as Jann Butler reached by an error from the shortstop, Wolfe.
Grambling cracked open the top half of the seventh inning as with bases loaded Wolfe was issued a walk and Todman scored. With bases loaded for the second time during the seventh inning for the Tigers, Jones was issued a walk Knuckles scored to put Grambling within four runs of Alcorn, 7-3.
Alcorn had a quick three up, three down in the bottom of the seventh inning to keep the score at 7-3 in their favor.
The Tigers continued to nip at the Braves' lead as Todman scored on a fielder's choice by Minter to have a 7-4 ballgame with Alcorn clinging to their lead.
The Braves in turn scored one run in the bottom of the eighth as Rodney Warren scored as
Angel Rosa singled to right center.
The ninth inning proved to be Grambling's most productive inning as the Tigers rattled off three runs to give the Braves a scare. The Braves defense and pitching held tight to close out the inning with Minter striking out.
Right fielder, Eduardo Gonzalez scored three runs off two hits and one RBI. First baseman, Rodney Warren had two runs off four hits with two RBIs.
Mike Peters recorded the win while
Chris Garza posted the save for Alcorn State.
Of the win Head Coach
Barret Rey stated, “It was nice to come away with the win however we need to learn how to close out games better.”
The Braves will host division rival, Jackson State in a three game series starting Saturday. First pitch is set for 12 PM and the games will be broadcast live on WPRL 91.7 FM.
