GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State baseball team closed a huge deficit in the eighth inning, but ran out of gas falling 20-12 to Jackson State in a non-conference contest on Tuesday evening at R.W.E. Jones Park and Wilbert Ellis Field
Grambling State (19-25) who trailed 11-3 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, rallied for six runs in the frame, trimming JSU's lead to 11-9. However, a nine-run ninth inning gave Jackson State all the cushion it needed to put GSU away.
GSU's loss clinched the season series for JSU (22-22).
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Trailing 3-0 in the bottom of the first inning, Grambling State worked the bases loaded with one out. Following a strikeout, Julian Murphy laced a single to right centerfield, plating two runs. In the next at-bat, Cameron Bufford stroked an RBI single to centerfield, tying the game a 3-3.
- GSU's success was short-lived as JSU answered with four runs in the in the second inning to go up 7-3. Grambling State committed all three of its errors in the opening two frames.
- JSU was cruising through the contest until GSU found its stride in the eighth inning. Grambling state utilized a six run eighth inning to pull back within striking distance and cutting Jackson State's lead to 11-9.
- JSU responded with nine runs in the ninth inning, going up 20-9. GSU plated three runs in the bottom of the inning, but couldn't sustain another rally, falling 20-12.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Grambling State scored 12 runs on 13 hits and left e11on base
- Jackson State finished with 20 runs on 16 hits, and also stranded 11 on base
- Terry Burrell III went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored
- Cameron Bufford went 3-for-5 with one RBI and two runs scored- Trevor Hatton, LaMarcus jones and Nasir Frederick all had extra base hits for GSU. Hatton and Frederick both had two hits each
- Connor Rudy (3-8) got the start for GSU, pitching 2.0 innings, allowing seven runs on six hits. He also had two strikeouts.
- Seven Grambling State pitchers made relief appearances
- Juan Marulanda (6-5) earned the win for Jackson State, allowing three runs on five hits, with eight strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work
UP NEXT
Grambling State begins a three-game weekend series at Prairie View A&M on Friday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Tankersley Field.
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