JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University’s baseball team rallied in the ninth inning to beat Jackson State 14-5 on Saturday at Braddy Field.
The Diamond Devils trailed 8-5 entering the final frame but scored nine runs on just two hits, aided by seven walks and two hit-by-pitches. The comeback snapped a nine-game losing streak to the Tigers, dating back over two seasons, according to team records.
Luke Richard pitched six innings of relief, allowing two runs and no walks while facing 24 batters to earn the win. Jace Jones contributed offensively with two hits in three at-bats, two RBIs, and a run scored. The team drew 14 walks, with Tanner Aoki, Israel Ramos, Jones, and Ty Burns each earning multiple bases on balls. Aoki and Ramos combined for four hits, nine walks, six runs scored, and three RBIs.
Johnny Escobalez, who pinch-ran earlier in the ninth, sealed the victory with a bases-clearing double that scored the last two runs. Eric Williams scored three times after reaching safely twice via hit-by-pitch and once on a fielder’s choice.
The Diamond Devils will look to carry the momentum into their next game against Alcorn State at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Jackson State Round Robin. Mississippi Valley State’s record improves to 1-7 overall, while Jackson State stands at 6-5, according to team stats.
Follow Mississippi Valley State baseball on Twitter and Instagram @ValleyStateBSB, and the Delta Devils on Facebook, Twitter @MVSUDevilSports, and Instagram @ValleyStateAthletics.
