BATON ROUGE, La. – Khalil Smith struck for two hits, including one double, and scored two runs for the Braves, but it was not enough to stave off a Southern University victory in the first game of the three-game conference series. Alcorn fell 21-2 against the Jaguars inside Lee-Hines Stadium Thursday evening.
Four other Braves connected for singles against Southern. Diego Lopez-Molina, Tyler Daniels, Garrett Palladino, and Jamaal Green all had hits.
Daniels also started the contest on the mound for Alcorn, recording the loss. The Goldsboro, N.C. native pitched 3.0 innings, delivering four strikeouts but allowed 16 runs (14 earned).
The Jaguars came out the gate swinging, scoring nine runs in the bottom of the first on six hits with a grand slam and one error. Southern went on to add one in the second and six in the third before the Braves could end their scoring drought.
In the top of the fourth, Smith opened the frame for Alcorn with a single to left field. A ground out pushed Smith to second and an error by the Jaguars' second baseman brought him home. Southern led 16-1.
The bottom of the fourth gave Southern its first scoreless inning of the contest. Two flyouts and a strikeout retired the side despite getting two runners on base.
Southern had another big inning in the fifth, scoring five runs on walks and wild pitches.
The Braves scored their final run in the sixth. Smith reached base on a double to left field, and a single by Lopez-Molina brought him across home plate. Alcorn trailed 21-2.
The scoreboard remained stagnant for the remaining sides, with the contest called in the seventh inning. The Jaguars took the victory 21-2.
Alcorn falls to 2-37 on the season and 2-26 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Southern improves to 22-29 overall and 19-9 in conference play.
The two opponents return to Lee-Hines Stadium tomorrow at 6 p.m. CT for game two.
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).
