THE HILL | The Alabama A&M softball team battled in a high-scoring matchup but ultimately fell to Bethune-Cookman 16-11 on Saturday afternoon at Bulldog Field.
Bethune-Cookman jumped out to an early lead, taking advantage of defensive miscues to plate three runs in the opening inning. Alabama A&M responded quickly as Josefina Lacalle launched a solo home run to center field in the bottom of the first to put the Bulldogs on the board.
The Wildcats extended their advantage in the third inning with a four-run frame to move ahead 7-1. Alabama A&M answered in the bottom half of the inning when Kali Austerman connected for a solo home run, followed by a three-run blast from Grace Cruthis to cut the deficit to 7-5.
The Bulldogs continued to chip away in the fourth inning as Lacalle delivered an RBI single, bringing Alabama A&M within one run at 7-6. Bethune-Cookman later created separation in the sixth inning, scoring eight runs to stretch the lead to 15-6.
Alabama A&M continued to fight offensively in the bottom of the sixth. Kaylee Tatum doubled in a run, and Austerman added her second home run of the game with a three-run shot, helping the Bulldogs pull within 15-10. A bunt from Grace Cruthis drove in another run to make it 15-11 before Bethune-Cookman added an insurance run in the seventh to secure the victory.
The Bulldogs recorded 14 hits in the contest, led by Kali Austerman, who went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI. Josefina Lacalle added three hits and two RBI, while Grace Cruthis finished with two hits and four RBI, including a home run.
Alabama A&M moved to 13-11 overall and 0-3 in SWAC play.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs will remain home to host a doubleheader against Detroit Mercy at the Bulldog Softball Field on Tuesday, March 10th . First pitch is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
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