Alcorn Topples Jackson State, 10-8

LORMAN, Miss. – Alainah Felton delivered a dominant complete-game performance in the pitcher's circle and provided a pivotal two-run home run at the plate, leading Alcorn Softball to a hard-fought 10-8 victory over in-state opponent Jackson State on Tuesday afternoon at Alcorn Softball Complex in Lorman, Mississippi. The game was a nonconference matchup.
 
Felton was nothing short of spectacular in the circle, going all seven innings and striking out five while holding Jackson State to just four hits. However, the hard-throwing right-hander did hit four batters and issued six walks, but her groundball-heavy approach – inducing 14 groundouts compared to just two flyouts – kept the visiting Tigers from ever truly threatening to take the lead back. She earned her fourth win of the season in what was arguably her most complete outing of the year.
 
The offensive fireworks were ignited by shortstop Olivia Miller, who finished the afternoon with a jaw-dropping 3-for-3 line, three RBIs, three runs scored, including a three-run homer that sailed down the left field line. Miller was the heartbeat of the Alcorn offense from start to finish, and her presence at the plate created problems for Jackson State pitching all afternoon. She also added a stolen base for good measure.
 
After Jackson State (18-16) jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, aided in large part by a pair of unearned runs off stolen bases and a fielding error by the Braves defense, Alcorn answered with a vengeance in the bottom of the second, erupting for six runs on six hits to seize control of the ballgame and never look back.
 
Braves catcher Paris Thompson got things started with a single, followed by a Rajayla McBride knock to put two runners on. First baseman Chiara Olison then smoked a double to left to plate Thompson and move McBride to third. The big blow came from Miller, who deposited a three-run homer down the left field line to make it 4-2 Alcorn.
 
The rally continued when left fielder Yahnya Acevedo was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score a run, and Thompson capped the frame with a sacrifice fly to push the lead to 6-2 in favor of the hosts.
 
Alcorn (13-23) added two more runs in the third inning on a Mariah Morgan sacrifice fly and an RBI groundout by designated player Karmen Bernard, who finished 2-for-4 on the day. Bernard was a reliable presence at the top of the order all afternoon, providing timely contact and setting the table for the middle of the lineup.
 
JSU chipped away with single runs in the third and fourth innings to keep things interesting, but the Purple and Gold responded with the dagger in the bottom of the fifth.
 
With two outs, Felton launched a two-run shot of her own down the left field line, driving in Miller, who had singled and stolen second, to extend the lead to 10-5.
 
The Tigers mounted a three-run rally in the top of the sixth on a two-RBI single from pinch hitter Avelina Mclean and an RBI groundout by designated player Sommer Tyes, pulling within 10-8.
 
But Felton tightened down the screws when it mattered most, cruising through a clean seventh to seal the victory.
 
Olison was stellar in her own right, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored while anchoring the defense at first base with 12 putouts. Thompson went 1-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and a run scored, while Felton and Miller each went 2-for-2 at the plate to complement their big extra-base hits.
 
For JSU, Thenya Kennedy finished the day 1-for-4 with an RBI and a team-high four stolen bases in a losing effort.
 
Tigers starting pitcher Madison McDowell took the loss, surrendering eight runs on nine hits over four innings of work. Brooklyn Morris tossed the final two innings in the circle for JSU, allowing two runs on three hits.
 
Alcorn returns to Alcorn Softball Complex Friday, April 10, as the Braves welcome Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Western Division opponent Texas Southern to Lorman for a three-game series starting with a doubleheader at 2 p.m.
 
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