PINE BLUFF, Ark. | Evan Hurlburt came on in relief and struck out nine as the Alabama A&M University baseball team won its 2024 season opener on Friday afternoon at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 10-6, at the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex.
Nick Anaya started on the bump for the Bulldogs (1-0) as he gave up four runs (two earned) on three hits, struck out five and walked one in four innings.
Evan Hurlburt (1-0) picked up the win in 4.2 innings of pitched in relief. He surrendered two runs (one earned) on two hits, fanned nine and walked just one.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Alabama A&M got the scoring started in the top of the first as
Brycen Hammonds opened the game with a single and moved to second when
Chevalier Dorris was hit by a pitch.
Jared Tribett drew a walk and after a pair of strikeouts,
Blake Martin was hit by a pitch, scoring Hammonds from third.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff (0-1) answered with two runs in the bottom of the frame and one more in the third to grab a 3-1 lead after three innings.
The fourth inning belonged to the Bulldogs, scoring five runs on three hits, none bigger that a two-RBI double by
Tristan Curless, as Alabama A&M took a 6-3 advantage.
The Golden Lions answered with one run in the fifth and two more in the seventh, tying the game at 6.
However, Alabama A&M continued to take advantage of fielding mistakes by the Golden Lions, plating two runs in the eighth and two more in the ninth for the 10-6 victory.
GAME NOTES
- Alabama A&M finished with 10 runs on five hits, committed one error and stranded 11 on base
- Brycen Hammonds went 1-for-5, with two runs scored
- Chevalier Dorris also scored a pair of runs
- Tristan Curless went 1-for-3 at the dish, with two RBI and one run scored
- Blake Martin also drove in a pair, going 1-for-2 at the plate
- Nick Anaya gave up four runs on three hits, struck out five and walked one in four innings
- Evan Hurlburt fanned nine, walked one and surrendered two runs in 4.2 innings
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff finished with six runs on five hits, had five errors and left three on base
- Calvin McClendon was one of five UAPB pitchers as he pitched three innings, struck out four, walked two and gave up one run
- Jordan Jones (0-1) took the loss, surrendering five runs on three hits, walked three and had one strikeout
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M continues its three-game season-opening series on Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. First pitch against the Golden Lions is set for 2 p.m. from the Torii Hunter Baseball Complex.
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