Tallahassee, Fl. (February 23, 2018) – Coming off a big road win against Mercer University, Florida A&M looked to keep their bats hot, hosting the Alcorn State University Braves in the first of a four-game series.
The Braves jumped on top early. Wallas Rios Jimenez scored on a sac fly to left by Hunter Wilson after reaching base on a single through the left side. They added five more runs in the 2nd inning. Wallas Rios Jimenez helped his team again, driving in two runs with a single up the middle. Hunter Wilson then drove in 3 runs with a double to the warning track in left field.
The Rattlers finally got on the board in the 5th inning, cutting the Braves lead in half to make the score 6-3. Bret Maxwell and Dallas Oliver both walked and would both score on a double to right field by Brian Davis. Davis would then score on a line drive single to the left side by Jacky Miles.
Alcorn State answered with two runs in the top of the 6th. Hunter Wilson singled to right, driving in his 5th run of the day, and Kyle Jenkins added another run, driving in Der’Vincent Hamilton on a single to center field, making the score 8-3.
Florida A&M lessened the deficit in the bottom of the 6th, with Jordan Curtis driving in Malachi Mitchell on a triple, after Mitchell reached base on a bunt single. Curtis then scored on an RBI single by Dallas Oliver, making the score 8-5.
FAMU starting pitcher Ryan Anderson was handed his second loss of the season, giving up six earned runs through 5 innings. Deven Shulstad replaced Anderson in the 6th inning, recording one out before Jamie Grant entered the game. Grant would go on to throw the last 3.2 innings of the game, holding the Braves scoreless.
Carlos Lopez got the win for Alcorn State, throwing 5 innings and giving up three earned runs. Zachary Perez would throw the next 3 innings, giving up 2 earned runs before Razedrick Winters came into the game in the 9th to earn the save.
The series will continue with a double header on Saturday, February 23rd, with the first game starting at 1:00 PM at Moore-Kittles Field.
