HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | The Alabama A&M University baseball team used a three-run sixth inning and held off a late rally as the Bulldogs won the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) series on Sunday afternoon, 7-6, over Bethune-Cookman at the Bulldog Baseball Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Bethune-Cookman (25-19 overall, 15-6 SWAC) jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning.
Alabama A&M (11-31, 7-14) answered with two runs in the third inning, tying the game at 2.
Chevalier Dorris opened the frame with a double down the line in left. With one out,
Tristan Curless was a hit by a pitch to put runners on the corners.
Zak Rice followed with single to center as Dorris scored and
Jesus Riera ripped a base hit to left as Curless came around to score.
The Bulldogs offense wasn't done as AAMU plated two more runs in the fourth.
Blake Martin began the inning with double down the left field line and advanced to third when
Jared Tribett stroked a base hit through the left side. Tribett stole second as Martin scored on a throwing error by the catcher.
Dre Amaral brought Tribett in to score with a ground out as Alabama A&M took a 4-2 advantage.
The Wildcats grabbed a 5-4 lead with three runs in the top of the fifth, but the Bulldogs weren't done, scoring three runs in the sixth.
With one out in the inning, Dorris was hit by a pitch and advanced to second when Amaral drew a walk.
Brycen Hammonds delivered the big hit, a triple to right center, scoring Dorris and Amaral. Hammonds came across to score on a Rice double as Alabama A&M took a 7-5 advantage.
Bethune-Cookman got a run back in the eighth and had the tying run 90 free away in the ninth, but could not get a timely hit as Alabama A&M won the series.
GAME NOTES
- Alabama A&M finished with seven runs on 11 hits, with two errors and left 11 on base
- Zak Rice went 3-for-4, with two RBI
- Miles Jackson went 2-for-5
- Brycen Hammonds went 1-for-5, with two RBI and one run scored
- Gabe Nicholson started, giving up five runs on six hits, with four walks and two strikeouts in 5.0 innings
- Dustin Hernandez (1-3) earned the win, while Tristian Curless picked up his third save
- Bethune-Cookman finished with six runs on 11 hits, committed one error and stranded 12 on base
- Daniel Figueroa went 3-for-4, with six stolen bases and two runs scored
- Garret Chun and Colton Olasin each collected a pair of hits
- Daniel Gaviria surrendered four runs on eight hits, fanned five and walked one in 5.0 innings
- Dylan Vega (1-2), Patrick Groark and Pablo Torres pitched in relief
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M returns to action with its mid-week game on Tuesday at Austin Peay. First pitch against the Govs is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Joe Maynard Field at Raymond C. Hand Park.
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).
