ITTA BENA, Miss. — Kendall Brookins delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning, lifting Mississippi Valley State to a 2-1 win over Alabama A&M on Saturday at Magnolia Field.
The Diamond Devils (5-17, 1-6 SWAC) received a stellar performance from starting pitcher Luke Richard, who threw nine scoreless innings, allowing just six hits and striking out eight without issuing a walk. Despite not earning the win, Richard’s effort kept Mississippi Valley in position for the victory.
Brookins, who had two hits in the game, came through in the bottom of the 10th with a single that scored Cody Leming, who had doubled to set up the rally. Leming was the catalyst, and his leadoff double led to the game-winning run. Gabe Huelsing added two hits and stole two bases, while pinch-runner Israel Ramos also swiped a bag.
Camden Farmer earned the win in relief, tossing a scoreless 10th inning while facing only one batter over the minimum. Stephen Landaz drew the team’s only walk as a pinch hitter, and Tom Early and Chris Soeder each contributed singles for Mississippi Valley.
Alabama A&M (7-21, 2-6 SWAC) took an early lead in the third inning when Chris Walker singled home a run. The Bulldogs tied the game in the bottom of the inning, but neither team scored again until the 10th, when Brookins’ single sealed the win for the Diamond Devils.
The series continues with the second game scheduled for Saturday afternoon, moved up two hours from 5 p.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid the chillier weather. Fans can follow the team on Twitter and Instagram at @ValleyStateBSB and @ValleyStateAthletics, respectively.
