LORMAN, Miss. – Despite tallying 11 hits against in-state rival Jackson State University, Alcorn stranded eight runners and committed three errors during the 19-7 loss to the Tigers Saturday afternoon. Garrett Palladino, Jamaal Green, and Ben Martin had two RBI each in the contest, but it was not enough to keep the Braves ahead of JSU.
Palladino led Alcorn at the plate with a 2-for-3 appearance to score one run, and Smith went 2-for-2 for two runs.
On the mound, Jermel Ford took his first loss. The sophomore from Hattiesburg, Miss., pitched for 4.0 innings with two strikeouts, six walks, six hits against, and eight runs (five earned).
Jackson State was led by Jordon Smiley, who had an astonishing seven RBIs on a 3-for-5 appearance with one run.
Christian Womble (2-0) remains undefeated on the mound. He pitched for 4.1 innings with four strikeouts, three walks, eight hits against, and five runs (four earned). Daelan Caraway closed for 2.2 innings pitched with three strikeouts, three hits against, two earned runs, and two walks.
Jackson State put runs on the board during its first at-bat, scoring three at the top of the first frame. After two reached base on balls to lead off, Jordon Smiley doubled to score both runners and advanced to third on a scoring error by the Braves shortstop. Smiley then scored on a sacrifice for a 3-0 lead.
The Braves answered in the bottom of the inning. Palladino singled to the pitcher and advanced to second on a throwing error. He then moved to third on a passed ball and scored on a ground out by Green. Alcorn trailed Jackson State 3-1 going into the second.
The Tigers added a single run in the second when Marcus Atterberry scored on a muffed catch by the catcher at home plate. Alcorn answered at the bottom of the inning. Ben Martin scored Khalil Smith on a single to second base.
Jackson State put up three runs in the third and another run in the top of the fourth to extend its lead to 8-2.
The bottom of the fourth would be the Braves' most fruitful at-bat. Alcorn sent three runners home to cut the Tigers' lead to 8-5, showing they were still in the game. Smith scored on a fielder's choice during Martin's time at the plate, and Gavin Caston came home on a ground out by Palladino.
Cutting the Braves' comeback short, Jackson State added four runs in the fifth and five in the sixth. Alcorn kept swinging at the plate for two runs in the sixth frame. Jamaal Green shot a sacrifice fly to center field to allow Martin to score, and Ben Luckett came out of the dugout for a single up the middle to score Jaylon Lucky. Alcorn trailed 17-7.
The contest came to an end in the seventh. Jackson added two more runs in the final frame for the 19-7 victory.
Alcorn and Jackson State will close the series on Sunday, March 5. The first pitch is set for 1 p.m. at William "Rat" McGowan Stadium.
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