The winner of this game moves on to the next round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament with their sights on getting into the Championship round. Alabama State and Jackson State have faced off against one another six times this season, with both teams winning three games each.
The Lady Hornets and Lady Tigers used multiple pitchers in the game, keeping a live arm in case the game goes into extra innings or more games must be played to keep their team in contention to play for the championship. Jackson State had some controversy when Hornets’ shortstop and the Jackson Tigers’ base runner tried to keep from impeding the Hornets player from fielding the infield ground ball in the first inning. Jackson State Head Coach Montgomery called a timeout to challenge interference by the Hornets’ shortstop Alana Scott, trying to catch the ball. The Lady Tigers’ challenge was unsuccessful, but the Tigers were able to score a run on a wild pitch from the Hornets pitcher, making the score 1-0 in the first inning.
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Jackson State turned a double play on a pop fly by Alabama State’s Talee Sim, with Brooke Ramsey being tagged out. The Lady Tigers put in pinch runner Ariah Hill for Kristina Carlson, who scored from third base from a wild throw, increasing the score 2-0 in the second inning. The Lady Hornets’ Ayana Frank scored in the 6th inning on a Jabriel Terrell bunt, making the score 2-1.
The Lady Hornets’ Brooke Ramsey was walked in the 7th inning by JSU pitcher Brooklyn Morris, putting the game-tying run on base. Lady Hornets, Brooklyn Williams singled to center field, setting up the potential for the game-winning run. Alabama State’s Talee Sims hit a ground ball to third base, which was thrown to first base, ending the game.
The Lady Tigers will meet the Florida A&M Lady Rattlers in the Championship game to see who will be the overall champion.