MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama A&M University softball team was in double action Friday, highlighted by a dominant 12-6 victory over Claflin followed by a 4-3 win over Miles to improve to 8-4 on the season.
Claflin struck first with two runs in the top of the opening frame, but the Bulldogs answered immediately. Alabama A&M capitalized on timely hitting and patience at the plate to erupt for seven runs in the bottom half of the first inning and seize control.
The Bulldogs added a run in the second and extended the lead in the third when Ariana Montalvo blasted a two-run home run to center field to make it 10-2. AAMU tacked on two more runs in the fifth, highlighted by aggressive baserunning as Destiny King stole home and Kali Austerman delivered a sacrifice fly.
Montalvo finished with a home run and two RBI, while Austerman added a hit and two RBI. Paula Ocrospoma recorded a hit and two RBI, and Lauren Calderon drove in a run. King scored twice and swiped three bases as the Bulldogs stayed active on the basepaths.
In the circle, Kaylee Tatum contributed to the win, improving to 3-0 after tossing four innings. McKenna Furnari closed out the final three frames, allowing just one run and striking out two to secure the victory.
In the second match-up against Miles, the Golden Bears struck first in the opening inning, the Bulldogs answered with a three-run second to take momentum. Tori Green delivered an RBI single to tie the game before Austerman ripped a two-RBI double to left field to give Alabama A&M a 3-1 advantage.
Green paced the offense with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, while Austerman finished with two hits and two RBI. Paula Ocrospoma added a hit as the Bulldogs worked six walks in the contest.
Dylann Rambally played an impactful role in the win after tossing five innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Furnari was dominant in relief, striking out four over two scoreless innings to pick up the save and seal the victory over the Golden Bears.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M will stay on the road this weekend as the Bulldogs will play Ballfield State at 11:30 a.m and Lincoln (PA) at 4:30 p.m and conclude the HBCU Softball Classic against Grambling State on Sunday.
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