LORMAN, Miss. – The Alcorn State baseball team was crippled by walks in the final game of the three-game series against Texas Southern. The Braves pitching staff issued 16 bases on balls in the 18-4 loss against the Tigers Sunday afternoon. Alcorn moves to 0-14 overall and 0-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, while Texas Southern improves to 11-8 overall and 3-0 in the league.
The Braves connected for seven hits, bringing a season-high four runners home with four errors. Sophomore infielder Diego Lopez-Molina led the team at the plate with a 2-for-3 appearance with two ribbies.
Six pitchers took the mound for Alcorn in the outing, but starting pitcher Austin Guzman was credited with the loss. The freshman from New Braunfels, Texas pitched 3.0 innings for four hits against, four earned runs, and five walks.
Texas Southern scored in every frame, tallying its first run in the opening inning on a sacrifice fly. The Tigers extended their lead to 2-0 with a run scored on a fielder's choice in inning two.
Alcorn put its first runs on the board in the bottom of the second to put the score at 2-2. Garrett Palladino singled to right field to bring Clayvonje Wright home, and Khalil Smith scored on a throwing error by the Texas Southern pitcher.
TSU regained the lead in the third on a throwing error by Braves catcher, and a sacrifice fly would put the Tigers up by two (4-2).
In the fourth, the Tigers added four runs, connecting for two hits with one error for an 8-2 lead.
Alcorn scored the third run in the bottom of the inning as Lopez-Molina connected for a single to left-center to score Palladino. The Braves' last run was achieved in the sixth on another single by Lopez-Molina that brought Jordan Holt across home plate.
Texas Southern scored five, three, and two runs in the final three frames for the 18-4 victory and the series sweep.
The Tigers scored 18 runs on 12 hits in the contest with three errors. The designated hitter Jeremy Gaines led at the plate with a 3-for-3 appearance for three RBIs and two runs. Brian Williams took his second pitching victory, lasting 5.0 innings for five hits against, three unearned runs, two walks, and six strikeouts.
The Braves return to action Friday, March 25, as they travel to Prairie View, Texas, to take on the PVAMU Panthers. The first game of the three-game series will begin at 6 p.m.
For the latest on Alcorn State baseball, check AlcornSports.com for the latest news and scheduling information, or follow the Braves through Twitter (@BravesSports), Facebook (Alcorn State Sports), and Instagram (@AlcornSports).
