Jackson State split a doubleheader with Florida A&M on Saturday in SWAC play at V Wiggins Field. The Tigers won the opener 3-2 before falling 11-3 in the second game.
In Game 1, Jackson State scored all three runs in the first inning. Ka’Liyah Gipson led off with a single, stole second and scored on Jace Jackson’s RBI triple. Jackson then scored on a fielder’s choice by Meah Almaraz, and Karli Cunningan added a run on Gabrielle Willis’ sacrifice fly to give the Tigers a 3-0 lead. Florida A&M responded with two runs in the fourth inning, but Brooklyn Morris pitched a complete game for Jackson State, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and three walks.
Gipson led the Tigers at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a run and a stolen base. Jackson added two hits, including a triple, with an RBI and a run scored. The Tigers totaled seven hits and stole four bases in the game.
In the second game, Jackson State struck first with a three-run first inning. Morris drew a walk, Jace Jackson followed with another, and Meah Almaraz loaded the bases with a bunt single. Isabella Rivera then doubled to center, driving in two runs and giving JSU an early lead. Almaraz later scored on a wild pitch, making it 3-0.
Florida A&M responded with a six-run bottom half of the first and added runs in the second, fourth, and fifth innings to pull away for an 11-3 victory. Despite the final score, Jackson State played error-free defense and showed speed on the bases with three stolen bases by Morris, Gipson, and Mackenzie Barney.
Gipson, Almaraz, Rivera, and Beija Allen each had hits for Jackson State. Morris also reached twice via walks. The Tigers finished with three stolen bases in the second game, but ultimately fell to the Rattlers.
Jackson State (record not specified) will look to carry momentum into its next games, while Florida A&M improves to (record not specified). For more coverage, follow Jackson State athletics on social media or visit the official website.
