DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.| The Jackson State softball team took a 9-6 lead into the sixth inning, but could not hang on and fell 10-9 to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Saturday.
Brooklyn Morris (6-7) came out of the bullpen for Jackson State and took the loss.
In the batter's box, the Tigers were led by Gabby Willis, who went 1-for-4 on the day with a double and three RBI. Mari Stephens put together a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Ariana Murillo also helped out for Jackson State, putting together two hits in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Jackson State (24-22, 14-9 SWAC) got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with three runs in the top of the first inning.
- Willis' bases-clearing double put all three runs on the board in the inning for Jackson State.
- After the Wildcats rallied to tie the ballgame at three, the Tigers came back to retake the lead in the third inning, which brought the score to 6-3 in favor of the Tigers.
- Bethune-Cookman narrowed Jackson State's lead to 6-4 before the Tigers stretched the advantage to 8-4 in the fourth inning.
- JSU recorded two runs off of Bethune-Cookman pitching, punctuated by a run-scoring double from Stephens.
- The Wildcats gained ground, closing the gap to 8-6 until Jackson State added some insurance in the fifth.
- The Tigers scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Murillo, bringing the score to 9-6 in favor of Jackson State.
- Jaxkson State unable to hold the lead, as Bethune-Cookman scored four times over the remaining two innings to grab the 10-9 walk-off win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Jackson State went 4-for-11 (.364) with runners in scoring position.
- JSU's pitchers faced 35 Bethune-Cookman hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and six fly balls while striking out one.
- Willis led the Tigers at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double and three RBI.
- Bethune-Cookman was led offensively by senior Joslynn Davis, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI.
- Alyssa Lopez led the Wildcats pitching staff, throwing 2.1 shutout innings.
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