MONTGOMERY, Ala. – An early lead helped Alabama A&M defeat rival Alabama State 4-2 on Friday evening at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex, extending the Bulldog winning streak to six games.
 
Alabama A&M (21-14, 12-6 SWAC) opened the scoring in the first on a single by Zharia Jones to drive home Allyson Riches who singled to right field to start the game.
 
The Hornets tied things up in the bottom of the inning, when Alex Preston singled to left center on a 1-0 count, scoring their first run, before later being tagged out trying to score for the final out of the frame.
 
The Bulldogs flipped the lead for the final time with two runs in the second inning. After a walk by Brooklyn Wallace and a single from Natalie Picado, A&M regained a 2-1 lead on an RBI bunt from Taylor Woods, before an infield error allowed Picado to cross the plate before the close of the inning. Jones added to the lead in the top of the third, with a home run to center field with a 2-1 count to open the inning for the last score on either side.
 
Paige Scott (8-3) got the win for Alabama A&M. The pitcher threw her ninth complete game of the year, allowing eight hits and two runs while striking out three. The right hander also forced 10 fly balls and five groundouts.
 
Ashley Pye (5-6) took the loss for Alabama State after allowing four hits and two earned runs, facing nine batters. Meanwhile, Bailey Greenlee worked for the remaining six innings for the Hornets and surrendered one run on two hits over one inning, striking out seven and walking three batters.
 
Alabama A&M racked up six hits in the game. Jones and Serena Herbranson both had earned two hits to lead the team, while four different players scored runs in the win.
 
The two programs will continue the series tomorrow, with first pitch of game two set for 3 p.m.
 
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