TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ^__ Alabama A&M baseball had a rough start to the weekend series against Florida A&M, falling 16-0 on Friday at the Moore-Kittles Field.
 
Hunter Viets picked up the win for the Rattlers after pitching five innings with six strikeouts and allowing five hits, while two other pitchers worked out of the bullpen.
 
The Rattlers didn't waste time getting to a lead, as former Bulldog Janmikel Bastardo drove in the opening run in the first. After another run in the second on an RBI single, Florida A&M exploded for 10 runs in the third to take full control of the contest.
 
After a scoreless fourth on both sides, the Rattlers got on the board again in the fifth on a groundout, followed by a trio of runs in the bottom of the sixth, including a solo homer for the final run.
 
Florida A&M remained in command throughout the remainder of the night, finishing the game in seven innings.

Alabama A&M registered six hits on the day, with both Tommy Easley and Jared Tribett earning two each, while Chevalier Dorris and Jalen Parker both went 1-for-3 at the plate in the loss.
 
The Rattlers earned 16 total hits on the day off three Bulldog pitchers. Jackson Hall worked the first 2.1 innings, allowing five hits and seven runs, while Roman Sorrell and Tyler Campbell also made appearances on the mound.
 
The two programs will resume play on Saturday for game two of the series, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
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