VERO BEACH, Fla. | Grambling State dropped a 14-5 decision to Alabama State on Saturday afternoon at Holman Stadium at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex as part of the Andre Dawson Classic in Vero Beach, Fla.
The Hornets struck early with a five-run first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from J. Williams and an unearned run that pushed the early margin to 5-0. Alabama State added another run in the third and broke the game open with four runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to build a 14-4 advantage through five frames.
The Tigers answered in the second inning with a four-run rally.
Shannon Martin,
Hasani Johnson and
Aidan Lopez opened the frame with consecutive hits before Julio Vasquez launched a grand slam to left center, cutting the deficit to 5-4. Vasquez finished the day with four RBIs and drove in all four runs during the second-inning surge.
Grambling added its final run in the sixth inning. With the bases loaded,
Cameron Hill drew a walk to bring home a run and trim the margin to 14-5.
Offensively, the Tigers collected 11 hits. Martin and Johnson each went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Lopez added two hits and scored once.
Trey Bridges and
Martavius Thomas also recorded hits, and Vasquez's grand slam was Grambling's lone extra-base hit of the contest.
On the mound, starter Trent Shaw was tagged with the loss after allowing nine runs (eight earned) in 3.1 innings of work.
Hampton Phillips and
Trevor Esparza combined to throw 4.2 innings in relief, with Esparza striking out seven and not allowing a run over 3.1 frames.
UP NEXT
Grambling State wraps up play in the Andre Dawson Classic versus Jackson State on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 9 a.m. EST.
