ITTA BENA, MISS. | The Alabama A&M softball team delivered an offensive showcase on Friday afternoon, defeating Mississippi Valley State, 13-6, behind a dominant start and consistent production at the plate during the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) series opener.
The Bulldogs (14-16 overall, 1-5 SWAC) wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for six runs in the opening inning. Key hits from
Josefina Lacalle and
Grace Cruthis powered the early surge, giving Alabama A&M a commanding lead they would not relinquish.
Alabama A&M continued to build momentum throughout the game, scoring in six of seven innings while tallying 14 total hits.
Tori Green led the way with a 3-for-5 performance and two RBIs, while Cruthis was nearly unstoppable at the plate, going for a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs and multiple extra-base hits. Lacalle added two hits and two RBIs, and
Kali Austerman highlighted the day with an inside-the-park home run in the seventh inning.
On the basepaths, the Bulldogs applied constant pressure, recording multiple stolen bases, including two from Cruthis and three from
Rayven Ramos.
On the mound,
Kaylee Tatum earned the win after tossing three innings of relief, while
Josefina Lacalle closed the game with a strong three-inning effort, striking out six batters and limiting Mississippi Valley State's offense late.
Mississippi Valley State responded with three runs in the first inning and added runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth, but was unable to overcome Alabama A&M's explosive start.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will face Mississippi Valley in a doubleheader in Itta Bena, Miss. on Saturday. First pitch against the Devilettes is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
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