JSU Rolls Alabama State in Conference Play

Following their home victory vs Grambling State University earlier in the week, the Jackson

State Tigers baseball team looked for continued success during their recent homestand. They

were able to sustain their winning ways with a positive start to their three game series versus

SWAC divisional rival Alabama State on Friday afternoon.

Senior Infielder Rahman Williams went 2 for 3 at the plate while driving in four runs, and Junior

Designated Hitter Chris Prentiss connected on an inside the park home run to lead the offensive

charge for Jackson State in a 11-4 win over the Hornets of Alabama State.

Both Williams and Prentiss were apart of a four run sixth inning that help Jackson State pull

away from a comeback attempt by the hornets. After Alabama State cut it to 6-4 with a four run

fifth inning, Prentiss nailed a homer inside Brady Field on a 1-0 pitch count to push the lead to

7-4. Rahman Williams help propel the lead to a six point advantage with a three-run RBI triple

on a 3-2 pitch count that help put the lead out of reach.

The Tigers had a solid pitching performance from Sophomore Nikelle Galatas (3-3) who

recorded 8 strikeouts and gave up only 4 runs on five hits while throwing 8 innings of play.

Outside of his shaky play in the fifth that was assisted by some fielding struggles from the

Jackson State Outfield, he was able to lead a strong defensive charge that held the fort for a

wire to wire Tigers victory.

For Alabama State, it wasn’t the greatest beginning to the series from an offensive and

defensive perspective. Starting Pitcher Darrius Wright (2-2) struggled from the jump allowing a

bunt by JSU to become a scoring opportunity early in the first inning. Wright finished with five

innings of pitching play allowing 8 hits, 8, runs and 7 walks with five errors and no strikeouts.

Right Fielder Cameron Hearn was the only Hornet to have multiple hits all game going 2 for 4 at

the plate with 2 RBIs during the team’s offensive explosion in the fifth inning. Catcher Santiago

Garcia shelved out 2 RBI’s as well with a 1 for 4 plate appearance supplying the bare offensive

minimum for Alabama State.

The victory brings Jackson State’s record to 10-14 overall and 4-3 in SWAC Play while Alabama

State falls to 11-12 overall and 6-3 in SWAC play. The two teams continue their three-game

series Saturday at Brady Field in Jackson, Mississippi.