Jackson State Baseball wins series with 12-6 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Jackson, Miss. — Jackson State used a six-run third inning and two home runs from Deigo Melendez to beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 12-6 on Saturday. The victory moves Jackson State into the seventh seed for the upcoming Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Baseball Championships, according to team sources.

The Tigers led 4-3 before erupting in the third inning. They scored six runs, aided by sacrifice flies and an error, pushing the lead to 10-3. Melendez hit his second home run of the day in that inning, a three-run shot that extended the lead. Earlier, he homered in the first inning, driving in two runs.

Melendez finished 4-for-5 with five RBIs and two runs scored. Hederick Torres went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs. Edwin Lemus Hudson Jr. contributed two hits and two runs scored. Jackson State totaled 13 hits in the game.

Derek Arrocha earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing six runs, five earned. Trae Burton pitched two scoreless innings, and Kade Walker and Jaedeyn Edwards each threw one inning of relief.

The Tigers closed the regular season winning 10 of their final 13 games. Jackson State will play in the SWAC tournament in Birmingham, Alabama, starting Wednesday, team officials said.

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