NEW ORLEANS – Jesse Caver pitched eight shutout innings, and the offense made timely hits count as Jackson State baseball defeated the University of New Orleans 3-0 Friday night at Maestri Field in the Andre Dawson Classic.
 
Caver allowed only four hits on the night, walking two and striking out five, throwing 66 of his 106 pitches for strikes.  Defensively, Jatavis Melton ran down a trio of hard-hit balls, patrolling center field to help keep UNO off the board. In the ninth, Jonah Posey recorded the final three outs to earn the save.
 
Ty Hill hit a solo homer in the fourth to give JSU the lead. In the seventh, clutch two-out hitting gave the Tigers another run. Cesar Saavedra reached on an infield single to third, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Marcus Atterberry then doubled down the left-field line, scoring Saavedra for a 2-0 lead.
 
In the ninth, Jaelen Williams reached on a passed ball after a third strike. Pinch-hitter Bret Mersman singled down the right field line, advancing pinch-runner Jordon Smiley to third. Saavedra's bunt to the right side scored Smiley for the final margin.
 
Jackson State (3-2) returns to action Saturday facing Prairie View A&M at 3 p.m.
 

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