MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Grambling State powered its way to a dramatic series-clinching victory on Sunday afternoon, outlasting Alabama State 14-13 in a high-scoring battle at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
Grambling State (5-13) pounded out 16 hits, including two home runs from Julio Vasquez, and erased multiple deficits before holding off Alabama State (9-9) in the ninth inning.
The Hornets jumped out quickly in the bottom of the first inning, taking advantage of walks and wild pitches to build a five-run lead. Jackson Williams delivered a two-run single, while sacrifice and RBI opportunities allowed Alabama State to extend the margin to 5-0.
GSU answered in the third inning. Hasani Johnson and Trey Bridges each reached base before Vasquez blasted a three-run homer to center field, cutting the deficit to 5-4 and igniting the Tigers' offense.
Alabama State responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning when Miguel Oropeza launched a three-run home run to left-center field, pushing the Hornets' advantage to 8-4.
The Tigers continued to chip away in the fifth inning. Johnson singled and Bridges walked to set up Cameron Hill's RBI single. Vasquez followed with another run-scoring hit that also allowed Hill to score on a defensive miscue, trimming the deficit to 10-7.
Grambling State mounted a major rally in the seventh inning. Aidan Lopez doubled to lead off the frame before Vasquez delivered another RBI double. Shannon Martin added an RBI single, and Johnson came through with a two-run double to center field, tying the game at 11-11.
Alabama State briefly regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh when Adrien Mendoza drove in a run with a single to make it 12-11.
The Tigers answered again in the eighth inning. Vasquez tied the game with a solo home run to left field before Charles Ashe III followed later in the inning with a two-run blast to give Grambling State a 14-12 advantage.
Alabama State threatened in the ninth, plating a run on a defensive error and loading the bases, but Grambling State escaped the jam when Alex Espaillat lined into a game-ending double play.
Vasquez delivered a monster performance at the plate, going 5-for-6 with two home runs, a double and seven RBIs to lead the Tigers' offense. Johnson added three hits and two RBIs, while Ashe finished with two hits, including a two-run homer. Martavius Thomas also contributed two hits for Grambling State.
Six pitchers combined for the Tigers on the mound. Payton Allen (1-0) earned the win after working three innings in relief, allowing two runs, one earned, while striking out two.
Alabama State was led offensively by Oropeza, who finished with three hits and six RBIs, including a three-run homer.
