Birmingham, Ala. – The No. 6 seed Jackson State Tigers concluded their season with a 5-3 defeat against No. 3 Alabama State in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Baseball Tournament. The game, held at historic Rickwood Field, saw the Tigers battle back from an early deficit, but ultimately fall short against the Hornets.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama State defeated Jackson State 5-3 in the SWAC Tournament.
  • Jackson State rallied to tie the game but couldn’t hold the lead.
  • the Tigers were limited to four hits by Alabama State’s pitching.
  • Unearned runs in the seventh inning proved to be the difference.

Game Summary

Alabama State (31-28) initially took a 2-0 lead, but Jackson State (30-21) responded, tying the game in the fifth inning. A single by Hederick Torres gave Jackson State a temporary one-run advantage.However, Alabama State capitalized on two unearned runs in the seventh inning to regain the lead and secure the victory.

Did You Know?

Rickwood Field, where the tournament was held, is known as America’s Oldest Ballpark. [2]

Jackson State’s offence struggled, managing only four hits. Jordan McCladdie whent 1-for-4 with an RBI, while Hederick torres also went 1-for-4, contributing two RBIs.

On the pitching side, Nkosi Didder (4-4) took the loss, allowing two unearned runs on one hit in 1.2 innings. Brandon Haston started for Jackson State, pitching 5.1 innings and allowing three earned runs on seven hits, with three strikeouts.JeAndrick Lourens finished the game on the mound for the tigers.

Game Highlights

  • 1st Inning: Juan Cruz flied out to center field,scoring Isaiah Landry. Kameron Douglas homered to center field, giving Alabama State a 2-0 lead.
  • 5th Inning: Jordan McCladdie singled up the middle, driving in Tyshon Patty, who had advanced to second, tying the game 2-2.
  • 6th Inning: Hederick Torres singled, scoring Wilbert Perez, giving Jackson state a 3-2 lead. Fabian Santana doubled, scoring Devin Chandler, tying the game again at 3-3.
  • 7th Inning: Cruz singled, scoring Landry and Kyler McIntosh, giving Alabama State a 5-3 lead.

Pro Tip

Consistent pitching and capitalizing on opponents’ errors are crucial for success in tournament play.

Player Spotlight

Hederick Torres: Torres’s single in the sixth inning briefly put Jackson State ahead. His performance was a radiant spot in a tough loss.

Jordan McCladdie: mccladdie’s RBI single in the fifth inning helped spark Jackson State’s comeback attempt.

quotes

SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland highlighted the significance of playing at Rickwood Field, saying it’s special to have the teams play at America’s Oldest Ballpark. [2]