HUNTSVILLE, AL – Alcorn State baseball battled hard but came up short in a 7-4 loss to Alabama A&M on Friday afternoon at Bulldog Field. The Braves (0-10) put together a solid offensive performance, recording 10 hits, but were unable to overcome an early deficit as Alabama A&M (3-10) secured the series-opening win.
Reyfield Adams led the Braves at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored.
Nathan Gamez added three hits and two RBIs, while
Jaylon Burrell, Kalum Banks, and
Gavin Caston each contributed hits to Alcorn's offensive effort. On the mound,
Jermel Ford got the start, allowing six runs on eight hits while striking out six in 6.2 innings of work.
Hunter Bell came in for relief, surrendering one run over the final 1.1 innings.
Despite falling behind early, Alcorn kept the game competitive, scoring in four different innings and putting pressure on Alabama A&M's pitching staff. However, timely hits and a strong bullpen performance from the Bulldogs sealed the win for the home team.
GAME RECAP
First Three Innings – Alabama A&M 5, Alcorn 1
- Alabama A&M wasted no time, putting up four runs in the first inning behind a two-run triple and an RBI double.
- Alcorn responded in the third when Adams singled and later scored on a Gamez RBI hit.
- The Braves limited further damage as Ford settled in on the mound, retiring six of the next eight batters.
Middle Innings – Alabama A&M 6, Alcorn 3
- Alcorn cut into the deficit in the fourth after Burrell doubled and came around to score on a groundout.
- Banks added another run for the Braves in the seventh with an RBI double to bring the score to 5-3.
- Alabama A&M extended its lead in the bottom of the seventh with an RBI single, making it a three-run game.
Final Innings – Alabama A&M 7, Alcorn 4
- The Braves continued to battle, scoring in the ninth after Gamez drove in Adams with a sacrifice fly.
- Alcorn threatened with runners on base but couldn't capitalize, as Alabama A&M's closer shut the door to secure the win.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 3 – Nathan Gamez led Alcorn with three hits and two RBIs.
- 10 – The Braves recorded 10 hits, marking their fourth double-digit hit game of the season.
- 6 – Jermel Ford struck out six batters in his 6.2-inning outing.
- 4 – Alcorn scored in four different innings, showing offensive consistency.
UP NEXT
Alcorn State (0-10) continues the series with Alabama A&M on Saturday, March 8, in Huntsville, AL. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. CST.
