THE HILL | Anthony Mateo surrendered a two-run homer in the top of the first inning, but settled down, going seven innings and fanning five to pick up the victory as the Alabama A&M University baseball team opened Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play with a 10-3 win over Alcorn State on Friday at the Bulldog Baseball Field.
Alcorn State (2-15 overall, 0-1 SWAC) struck first in the top of the opening inning as Cooper Harris delivered a two-run homer to give the Braves an early 2-0 advantage.
The Bulldogs (6-13, 1-0) were held scoreless through the first three innings before erupting in the fourth to seize control of the contest.
Alabama A&M loaded the bases when
Tarris Murray walked,
Tervell Johnson was hit by a pitch and
Zak Rice reached on a walk.
Brycen Hammonds followed and was hit by a pitch to plate Murray. After a pitching change,
Colin Mason doubled down the left field line, scoring Rice and Johnson. With two outs,
Miles Jackson, the SWAC Hitter of the Week, doubled to left as Hammonds and Mason scored, giving AAMU the 5-2 advantage.
The Bulldogs added to their lead in the fifth inning when Johnson doubled to left, scoring Murray. Mason flied out to left to plate Johnson on the sacrifice fly, which extended the lead to 7-2.
The Bulldogs added one run in the seventh and tacked on two more in the eighth for the 10-2 lead.
Alcorn State added a solo home run by Gavin Caston in the ninth inning, but Alabama A&M closed the door to secure the victory.
At the plate, Alabama A&M finished with 12 hits.
On the mound, Mateo delivered one of his strongest outings of the season. The right-hander worked seven innings, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out five to earn the win.
Nick Espinola closed the game with two innings of relief, striking out three.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M continues its three-game SWAC series on Saturday against Alcorn State. First pitch against the Braves is set for 1 p.m. from the Bulldog Baseball Field.
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