The Jackson State University baseball team returned home to post a 9-5 non-conference win over Grambling Tuesday night at Braddy Field.
Jackson State took advantage of seemingly every Grambling mistake. The Tigers had only six hits, while Grambling pitching hit six JSU hitters, issued five walks, threw three wild pitches, committed two errors, and had one passed ball.
Jackson State scored three runs in the first without benefit of a hit.
Jatavis Melton walked, and
Devontae Rhodes and
Ty Hill were each hit by a pitch to load the bases. Melton then scored on a wild pitch before
El'Rico Riley walked to reload the bases. A fielder's choice grounder scored Rhodes, and a throwing error on the play scored Hill for a 3-0 JSU lead.
Grambling added a pair of runs in the second before JSU added a run in the third. With one out, Hill tripled to straight away center field, and scored on a Riley groundout to give Jackson State a 4-2 lead.
Leading 4-3 in the sixth, JSU extended the lead once again. With one out, Riley singled to left, and then consecutive Jackson State hitters -
Asher Akridge,
Gavon Clemons, and
Jefrey Rodriguez - were each hit by a pitch, the latter scoring Riley. Akridge then scored on a passed ball, and Clemons later scored on a wild pitch to give Jackson State a 7-3 lead.
The Tigers added two runs in the eighth. With one out, Guy singled down the right field line, and advanced to second on a groundout. Melton then doubled down the left field line, scoring Guy. Pinch-hitter
Caleb Evans walked, and Hill was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Riley then singled through the right side, scoring Melton for a 9-3 JSU lead.
Hill and Riley each had two hits for Jackson State. A total of six JSU pitchers limited Grambling to only five hits in the contest.
Jackson State (13-12) returns to Southwestern Athletic Conference play Friday at Alabama State at 6 p.m.
