LORMAN, MS – Alcorn State baseball closed out its home series against Jackson State on Monday afternoon, falling 9-1 at Rat McGowan Stadium. The Braves (6-33, 1-20 SWAC) battled late but couldn't overcome a strong pitching performance by Jackson State's Erick Gonzalez, who held Alcorn scoreless through nearly eight innings.
Clayvonjae Wright, Leonard Smith, and Jared Farmer all collected hits for the Braves, while Caden Jackson drove in Alcorn's lone run in the bottom of the ninth. Despite the loss, Alcorn showed resilience at the plate in the final innings, stringing together three hits and breaking up the shutout.
Harold Bell took the loss on the mound for Alcorn, while Gonzalez earned the win for Jackson State with 10 strikeouts across 7.2 innings of work.
GAME RECAP
Early Innings – Jackson State Jumps Ahead
- Jackson State opened the scoring with one run in the first and added another in the second to build a 2-0 lead.
- A four-run third inning, highlighted by an RBI single and a two-RBI single from Davione Hull, pushed Jackson State's advantage to 6-0.
- Alcorn struggled offensively early, recording only two baserunners through the first five innings.
Middle Innings – Braves Defense Holds
- The Braves' bullpen, led by Hagan Konkler and Giovani Exi, stabilized the game by holding Jackson State scoreless in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings.
- Kanious Davis reached base via hit-by-pitch in the seventh and stole second but was left stranded after a strikeout ended the threat.
Late Push by Alcorn
- Jackson State added a run in the eighth and two more in the ninth, including a solo home run by Wilbert Perez.
- In the bottom of the ninth, the Braves loaded the bases with back-to-back singles from Leonard Smith and Jared Farmer.
- Caden Jackson drove in Davis with an RBI fielder's choice to break the shutout before the rally ended on a groundout.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 4 – Alcorn State recorded four hits in the contest.
- 1 – Caden Jackson drove in Alcorn's only run with an RBI groundout in the ninth.
- 2 – Jared Farmer reached base twice with a single and a walk.
- 6 – Alcorn used four pitchers to limit Jackson State to nine runs on eight hits.
- 11 – The Braves struck out 11 times against Jackson State pitching.
UP NEXT
Alcorn State (6-33, 1-20 SWAC) returns to action on Tuesday, April 29, hosting Southeastern Baptist College at Rat McGowan Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. CST.
