TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Jackson State University baseball team posted a wire-to-wire 8-2 win at Florida A&M Saturday to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference series.
Jatavis Melton (two runs scored) and
Devontae Rhodes (three RBI) each had three hits for Jackson State (18-18 overall, 7-8 SWAC), which posted its second straight conference series win at the midpoint of league play. The Tigers will play four of their five remaining SWAC series at Braddy Field.
Juan Marulanda (5-4) nearly went the distance, pitching 8 1/3 innings allowing seven hits and one earned run, walking one and striking out eight.
For the second straight game, JSU got off to a fast start. Melton double to left center to lead off the game and scored as
Devontae Rhodes reached on an error. After
Ty Hill reached on an error and
Jaelen Williams was hit by a pitch to load the bases,
El'Rico Riley's sacrifice fly gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
Leading 2-1 after three innings, JSU extended the lead in the fourth.
Caleb Evans reached on an error, stole second and, after
Jefrey Rodriguez walked, a double steal moved the runners to third and second, respectively.
Omar Gomez' sacrifice fly scored Evans for a 3-1 lead. Following a bunt single by Melton, Rhodes doubled down the left field line to give JSU a 4-1 lead.
Leading 5-2 after six innings, Jackson State added a pair of runs in the seventh. Riley singled with one out, and advanced to second as
Marcus Atterberry reached on an error. Evans followed with a single to right field, scoring Riley as Atterberry moved to third. Rodriguez' safety squeeze bunt scored Atterberry for a 7-2 lead.
Jackson State returns to action Tuesday at Mississippi State on SEC Network+.
