TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | The Alabama A&M University softball team concluded its season on Saturday, splitting a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) doubleheader, losing 9-1 in five innings at Florida A&M, before picking up a 7-6 victory in the second game at Veronica Wiggins Field at the University Softball Complex.
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game 1
Alabama A&M (9-26 overall, 5-18 SWAC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top half of the first inning.
Allyson Riches stroked a one-out double to left center and scored on a
Katie Puckett single as the Bulldogs grabbed the early lead.
Florida A&M (23-18, 19-5) answered in the bottom of the frame with three runs to take a 3-1 lead.
The Rattlers exploded for six runs in the fourth, extending their advantage to 9-1.
GAME NOTES
- Alabama A&M finished with one run on two hits, had one error and left three on base
- Allyson Riches and Katie Puckett collected one hit each
- Sydney Hall (0-9) took the loss, surrendering nine runs on seven hits, with four walks and three strikeouts in 3.2 innings
- Paige Scott pitched in relief
- Florida A&M finished with nine runs on eight hits, committed one error and stranded three on base
- At the plate, Samantha Smith went 2-for-3, with two RBI and one run scored
- Samantha Smith (9-9) earned the win in 5.0 innings, giving up one run on two hits, fanned three and walked one
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game 2
Much like the opener, Alabama A&M jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Dakota Daniel opened the game with a triple to right center and came across to score on a wild pitch.
The Bulldogs exploded for four runs in the top of the second, extending the advantage to 5-0.
Kaidence Swoopes began the frame with a double to left and came across to score on a wild pitch.
Susanna Cruit and Daniel drew back-to-back walks and Riches delivered a single to left to load the bases. Puckett drew a walk as Cruit scored.
Zahria Jones reached on an error as Riches and Daniel scored.
Florida A&M got a run back in the third, cutting the deficit to 5-1.
Alabama A&M answered with a run in the top of the fourth, stretching the lead to 6-1.
The Rattlers continued to chip away at the deficit, plating three runs in the fourth inning as Alabama A&M took a 6-4 advantage into the top of the fifth.
Florida A&M tied the game with two runs in the fifth, but Alabama A&M responded with the game-winning run in the top of the seventh.
Swoopes began the frame by being hit by a pitch and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Picado. Cruit followed and reached on an error as Swoopes scored, giving AAMU a 7-6 lead.
GAME NOTES
- Alabama A&M finished with seven runs on seven hits, had one error and left nine on base
- Katie Puckett collected two hits, two walks and two RBI
- Dakota Daniel drew two walks and scored three times
- Paige Scott started for AAMU, giving up four runs (three earned) on seven hits, with two strikeouts and one walk in 3.0 innings
- Cris'Deona Beasley (6-10) earned the win in four innings of relief
- Florida A&M finished with six runs on 13 hits, committed two errors and stranded nine on base
- Mia Blasingane went 3-for-3, with two RBI and one run scored
- Kayla Aldridge started, surrendering five runs (three earned) on three hits, with four walks in 1.2 innings
- Zoryana Hughes (13-3) took the loss in relief
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics, check out the official homepage at www.aamusports.com. Remember to follow us on social media: Instagram (@aamuathletics), Facebook (aamubulldogathletics), Twitter (@_aamuathletics) and TikTok (aamuathletics).
