Jackson, Miss. — Five players from Jackson State recorded at least two hits, but the Tigers fell to Belhaven 9-5 in a non-conference game Wednesday. Brooklyn Morris took the loss in the circle, starting for JSU and falling to 1-1 on the season.
Jayden Rutledge pitched one shutout inning in relief, allowing no hits, walking one and striking out one. Jackson State (4-1) opened the scoring in the first inning with an RBI single from Meah Almarez, which scored Ka’Liyah Gipson from third base.
The Tigers lost their lead after the first inning but regained momentum in the third, scoring three runs to take a 4-3 advantage. Makenzie Barney contributed to the rally, helping JSU to take the lead. However, Belhaven responded and by the seventh inning led 9-4. Jackson State scored once more on an RBI single from Gabrielle Willis, but the rally fell short, and the Blazers held on for the win.
Willis led the Tigers at the plate, going 2 for 4 with an RBI. Jackson State out-hit Belhaven 12-9 and went 5-for-12 with runners in scoring position. The Tigers’ pitchers faced 32 batters, recording three strikeouts while allowing six ground balls and nine fly balls.
Belhaven’s offense was led by K. Steverson, who went 1 for 2 with a home run and three RBIs. K. Rouse pitched one scoreless inning for the Blazers.
Jackson State will travel to Commerce, Texas, for the Lion Invitational beginning Friday. The Tigers will face Missouri State at 9 a.m. and Southeast Missouri at 1:30 p.m. Follow Jackson State athletics for more updates.
