JACKSON, Miss. | Alabama A&M University right-handed pitcher
Nick Espinola posted his longest outing in the season, going seven strong innings, but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs dropped their Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) series opener to Jackson State, 2-0, on Thursday night at Braddy Field.
Espinola surrendered the two runs in the bottom of the second inning and Alabama A&M (9-27 overall, 2-14 SWAC) could not take advantage of opportunities in fourth, eighth and ninth innings.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a scoreless first inning, Jackson State (18-17, 6-10) broke the 0-0 tie with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second to grab a 2-0 lead.
Alabama A&M loaded the bases in the fourth with one out but could not plate a run as
Charles Morris and
Angel Rivera struck out, keeping the Tigers in front, 2-0.
The Bulldogs had another opportunity in the top of the eighth as
Elvis Victoriano doubled to begin the frame and moved to third on an
AJ Anderson ground out. However,
Trey Rutledge struck out and
Dre Amaral grounded out to end the threat.
AAMU had one final chance in the ninth as
Miles Jackson singled to right with two outs, but Morris concluded the game with a strikeout, giving Jackson State the victory.
GAME NOTES
- Alabama A&M finished with six hits, one error and stranded six on base
- Miles Jackson went 3-for-4
- Nick Espinola, with his longest outing of the season, fell to 0-6 after giving up two runs on three hits, with five strikeouts and two walks in seven innings
- Raymond Clark worked one inning in relief
- Jackson State finished with two runs on three hits and left three on base
- Wilbert Perez went 2-for-3, with one run scored
- Erick Gonzalez (5-3) picked up the win, striking out 10 and giving up six hits in 8.2 innings
- Stevins Spurgeon earned his first save by recording the final out
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M return to action for Game 2 of the three-game SWAC series with Jackson State on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. from Braddy Field.
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