MADISON, Ala | The Grambling State baseball team (17-27) fell into an early 8-3 hole against Jackson State, ultimately falling by a 9-5 margin at Toyota Field on Friday afternoon. 

Lead off hitter Cameron Phelts started the game with a solo home run to left field to get the scoring started for Grambling. Graduate student Jahmoi Percival singled to second base and ended up scoring on an error by the catcher to take an early lead 2-0 in the top of the opening frame. 

Jackson State responded and raced out to an early lead, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning. JSU managed four hits during the inning including a home run. 

In the top of the second inning, Kevin Breaux produced a stand up triple down the left field line followed by an RBI single from CJ Mervilus to cut the deficit to 5-3. Jackson State added three runs in the bottom of the second inning to extend its lead to 8-3. 

After four straight scoreless innings for Grambling, JSU plated a run in the bottom of the fifth inning to make the score 9-3. 

Grambling attempted to make a late rally just as they did in yesterday's contest. Back at the top of the lineup to begin the seventh inning, Cameron Phelts remained consistent at the plate with a single to right field. Sophomore Cameron Bufford added a single to left center field. Picking up where he left off, Jordyn Smith hit a two-RBI single to left center plating Phelts and Bufford cutting the deficit to 5-9. Jeremy Almaguer added a two-out single to third base. Joseph Gunn struck out at the plate to retire the seventh inning. 

Grambling was only able to manage one baserunner in the eighth and ninth inning, which resulted in a loss to Jackson State and elimination from the 2021 SWAC Baseball Tournament. 

Inside The Numbers 

• Grambling State finished with five runs on 12 hits, committed one error, and left nine on base. 
• Cameron Phelts led Grambling by going 4-4 with a home run, two runs, and one RBI. 
• Jahmoi Percival went 2-5 with one run. 
• Kevin Breaux went 2-4 with one run. 
• Cameron Bufford, Jordyn Smith, Jeremy Almaguer, CJ Mervilus each had one hit.
• LJ Diaz (0-1) started on the mound for Grambling lasting 0.0 innings. He gave up four runs on three hits, one walk, and no strikeouts. 
• Kimani Bailey and Austin Rotramel pitched in relief. 
• Jackson State finished with nine runs on 12 hits, committed two errors, and stranded six on base. 
• Ty Hilll led Jackson State at the plate by going 3-4.  
• Devontae Rhodes started for Jackson State and went 4.1 innings. He gave up three runs on seven hits, one walk, and struck out five.  
• Mario Lopez (6-0) pitched in relief and was credited with the win. 
• Steven Davila pitched in relief and was credited with the save. 

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