JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a convincing 6-4 win over rival Alcorn State Friday evening at Braddy Field.
 
JSU (4-4, 1-0 SWAC) entered the bottom of the eighth inning with a 3-2 lead and used timely offense to extend its advantage.
 
Equon Smith singled through the left side to push across a pair of runs and Chandler Dillard, facing a 2-2 count, delivered an RBI single through the left side to push across another run.
 
Smith batted 3-for-4, drew a walk and scored three runs and Dillard also went 2-for-4.
 
Jaylyn Williams, Wesley Reyes and Chris Prentiss also added hits.
 
Anthony Becerra (1-1) earned the win on the bump. Becerra tossed 5 2/3 innings and scattered three hits, allowed two runs and fanned nine batters.  
 
The Tigers and Braves (2-4, 0-1 SWAC) return to action Saturday for a match-up at historic Smith-Wills Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
Baseball season tickets will be honored and a ticket stub from the basketball games versus Mississippi Valley State can be redeemed for admission.