TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Alabama State baseball team saw its historic championship season come to an end with a 6-3 loss to South Alabama in an NCAA Tournament elimination game Saturday in the Tallahassee Regional.
The Hornets, who won their first SWAC Championship in legendary fashion in going unbeaten in 28 games against conference opponents in setting a school record for wins (38-17), got home runs from Eriq White and Ray Hernandez, but it was not enough to withstand a late-game rally by South Alabama (41-21). [easyazon_infoblock align=”right” cart=”y” identifier=”B00WZQ83EC” locale=”US” tag=”hbcusports-20″]
White’s 2-run homer to left field in the second inning, his third of the season, came on the first pitch of the at-bat and scored Hunter Allen for a 2-0 lead.
Leading 2-1 in the fourth, Hernandez hit an 0-2 pitch over the wall in left to give the Hornets a 3-1 lead. It was his 16th homer of the season, adding to his school-record total.
However, Alabama State would not score again. South Alabama chipped away at its deficit, adding single runs in the fourth and seventh to tie the game at 3-3. The Jaguars scored three runs in the eighth to take their first and only lead of the game.
Angel Alicea pitched seven innings for the Hornets, allowing 10 hits and three runs, walking three and striking out five on a career-high 120 pitches.
Courtesy: Alabama State
