HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Redshirt sophomore Kristian Edwards had a career-high three hits, including a triple, against the Aces, and four stolen bases versus Southern Miss on the opening day of the Hub City Classic. Still, it was not enough to lift the Braves past Evansville and USM. Alcorn State (7-6) fell 5-4 versus the Aces in game one and 4-2 against the Golden Eagles.
In the first game, the Braves were the first to score after two scoreless innings in the top of the third. The Aces tied it in the bottom frame and took a 4-2 lead in the fourth.
Alcorn State collected single runs in the top of the fifth and the seventh to tie the game at 4 as Evansville took its last at-bat. With two on base, an RBI single scored the walk-off run for the Aces.
Graduate student Brenn Ursin (2-2) took the mound in the sixth inning for the Braves and was credited with the loss. The Lutcher, La. native, pitched 2.2 innings for two hits against, one earned run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Lexi Veamoi started the competition to pitch 4.0 innings for seven hits against, four earned runs, three walks, and one strikeout.
As a team, Alcorn recorded four runs on six hits while committing one error. Edwards led at the plate with a 3-for-4 appearance with one run and one RBI. Genise Wells led the team in scoring with two ribbies.
Evansville scored five runs on nine hits with two errors. Senior third baseman Jessica Fehr led the Aces with three hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Izzy Vetter closed the game for the win in the circle, pitching 2.0 innings for two hits against, one earned run, and five strikeouts.
In the second game, Hub City Classic host Southern Miss jumped ahead of the Braves 4-0 before Alcorn scored its first run in the top of the fourth. The Braves added a second run in the top of the sixth, but it was not enough to defeat the Golden Eagles.
Parker (3-1) received her first season loss in the circle, pitching the complete game. The Vacherie, La. native, tallied five hits against, four earned runs, two walks, and one strikeout.
The Braves offense tallied two runs on five hits. Edwards again led the team with a 2-for-2 appearance to score two runs. Parker led the team in RBIs with two.
Southern Miss scored four runs with five hits and one error. Destini Brown went 2-for-3 at the plate with one run and one ribbie. Morgan Leinstock (5-1) earned the pitching victory pitching the full seven innings with five hits against, two earned runs, one walk, and 13 strikeouts.
ALCORN 4, EVANSVILLE 4
With one out, Miracle Crosby reached on an error by the Aces' third baseman, then advanced to second on a ground out. Desirea Lindsey made it to base on a walk to put two Braves on. Edwards singled to score Crosby for a score of 1-0. Marsha Hunt followed with a single of her own to score Lindsey. Alcorn 2, Evansville 0
Evansville tied the game in the bottom of the third on a two-RBI double to left-center. Alcorn 2, Evansville 2
The Aces took their first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth on a single and an error that scored two runners. Alcorn 2, Evansville 4
The Braves cut into Evansville's lead in the fifth frame. Lindsey led off with a walk. Edwards singled up the middle and advanced to second on the throw to put runners on second and third. Hunt also reached base on a walk to load the bases. Genise Wells was also walked for the RBI and to score Lindsey. Alcorn 3, Evansville 4
Alcorn scored the tying run in the top of the seventh. Edwards led off with a triple down the left-field line. Wells scored Edwards on a single to left-center. Alcorn 4, Evansville 4.
A walk-off single up the middle to score a run clinched the win for Evansville during its last at-bat. Alcorn 4, Evansville 5
Alcorn 2, Southern Miss 4
The Golden Eagles jumped ahead of the Braves, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first on a single and a sacrifice fly. ASU 0, USM 2
Southern Miss added a third run in the bottom of the second, bringing a runner home on a single to right field. ASU 0, USM 3
The Golden Eagles took a 4-0 advantage in the third frame, scoring a run on a sacrifice fly. ASU 0, USM 4
The Braves finally made it to the board in the top of the fourth. Edwards singled through the right side and stole second. She then came home on a ground out off the bat of Kiri Parker. ASU 1, USM 4
Alcorn scored its second run in the top of the sixth. Edwards was placed on first base after being hit by a pitch, then stole second. Parker hit a single through the left side to score Edwards and cut the Golden Eagles lead to 4-2. ASU 2, USM 4
UP NEXT
On day two of the Hub City Classic, Alcorn State softball will face Southern Miss in a rematch on Saturday, Feb. 26. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
For the latest on Alcorn State softball, check AlcornSports.com for the latest news and scheduling information, or follow the Braves through Twitter (@BravesSports), Facebook (Alcorn State Sports), and Instagram (@AlcornSports).
