LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | The Grambling State University split the final two games of the 2023 Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas Classic on Saturday, winning the series finale against Florida A&M 20-16 after dropping the first game of the day 4-3 at Coolray Field.
Game 1
In the first game, Grambling State found themselves in a 4-0 hot after six innings. The Tigers attempted to mount a comeback in the seventh inning scoring three runs.
Julian Murphy gave GSU a base runner with a one out single to centerfield. After he advance ed the second, Terry Burrell III smacked an RBI double to cut the deficit to three. Back-to-back wild pitches, including one on a walk to Kyle Walker, allowed Burrell to score and Walker to move into scoring position at second base.
Trevor Hatton the hit an RBI double to left centerfield with two outs, pulling the Tigers within one, 4-3. However a strikeout ended the late rally for GSU.
Connor Rudy (1-1) was saddled with the loss after working 6.0 innings =, allowing four runs on seven hits with a strikeout.
Game 2
In the second game, GSU erased a 12 run deficit to come back and defeat FAMU 20-16, earning Grambling state its first-ever win in the Garr-Lucas HBCU Classic.
Cameron Bufford had the big bat for the Tigers, going 4-for-6 with grand slam, a two run homer, a double and nine RBI.
The Tigers, trailing 12-0 in the second inning, scored 14 runs in the bottom of the second and third to take a 14-12 lead.
With the score tied 15-15, Bufford's three RBI double pushed Gramling State in the lead for good.
Kendrick Bershell (1-0) got the win in relief for the Tigers, tossing 1.2 innings, fanning four batters and allowing no runs on one hit and three walks.
Up Next
Grambling State travels to Dallas, Texas to take on Dallas Baptist on Wednesday , March 8 at 6:30 p.m.
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