South Alabama lost to Alabama State on Apr. 8 after a late-game comeback by the Hornets at Wheeler Watkins Baseball Complex in Montgomery, Alabama.
The game saw South Alabama take an early lead, but a strong effort from Alabama State in the final innings changed the outcome. The Jaguars had led through much of the contest before allowing six earned runs from their bullpen over the last three innings.
Shortstop Marc Stephens contributed with two hits and one run batted in, while catcher Duncan Mathews added two more hits and drove in two runs. Stewart Puckett also extended his hitting streak to eight games with an RBI single. Starting pitcher Hayden O’Dell pitched six innings, allowing only one earned run on two hits with five strikeouts but did not factor into the decision.
Alabama State scored five runs in the seventh inning to take their first lead of the night and added another run in the eighth for a final score of 7-5. “We wasted a good start from O’Dell. We didn’t hit or pitch well enough tonight. The last three innings, that’s where we lost it in leverage innings. We didn’t play good enough tonight and Alabama State beat us,” said head coach Mark Calvi.
The Jaguars will continue their road trip as they open a weekend series against Georgia Southern starting Friday night at 7:30 p.m., followed by games on Saturday and Sunday.
