GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State used a six-run surge across the sixth and seventh innings and a standout night from Julio Vasquez and Charles Ashe III to defeat Jackson State 12-9 on Thursday evening at Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park.

The Tigers (10-18 overall, 7-3 SWAC) collected eight hits and capitalized on nine walks, three hit batters and multiple defensive miscues to take the season matchup. Jackson State dropped to 13-17 and 4-6 in the conference with the loss.

After an early 3-0 deficit in the top of the first, Grambling State immediately answered with three runs in the bottom half. Hasani Johnson and Trey Bridges opened the inning with walks, and GSU quickly brought both around on a bases-loaded walk by Ashe and a sacrifice fly by Aidan Lopez. Shannon Martin added an RBI groundout to tie the game at 3.

Grambling State took the lead in the second when Ashe launched a two-run homer to left, scoring Bridges for a 5-3 advantage. Jackson State later tied the contest with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

With the game even at 6-6 entering the bottom of the sixth, Vasquez delivered one of the game's biggest swings, drilling a solo home run to left field to put GSU ahead 7-6. Grambling State added three more runs in the inning, taking advantage of an error, two walks and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Cameron Hill. Ashe lifted a sacrifice fly to right to push the lead to 9-6.

Vasquez continued his productive night in the seventh with a leadoff double, scoring moments later on an RBI single by Chris Marcellus. Vasquez finished 3-for-4 with a home run, double and three RBIs.

Jackson State pulled within 10-8 in the eighth inning on a two-run homer by Tyree Reed, but Grambling State answered immediately in the bottom half. Ashe singled to right and later scored on a balk, while Daniel Soukup II came across on a fielder's choice from Marcellus to stretch the lead to 12-8.

Ashe went 2-for-3 with four RBIs, while Bridges reached base three times and scored twice. Marcellus drove in two runs and reached base three times. Grambling State stole three bases, including one by Soukup that set up a key insurance run in the eighth.

On the mound, Hampton Phillips (2-2) earned the win in relief, allowing just one unearned run over 2.1 innings. Payton Allen collected his second save of the season after working the final 2.2 innings, striking out two.

Jackson State totaled 11 hits, led by three from Robert Tate Jr. Diego Melendez added a home run and three RBIs.

UP NEXT
Due anticipated inclement weather that is forecast to impact the area, Grambling State will conclude its series versus Jackson State with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 2 p.m. at Wilbert Ellis Field at R.W.E. Jones Park. 

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