JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State scored nine runs in the eighth and ninth innings Sunday to defeat Alcorn State 15-7 at Braddy Field during the final day of the Jackson State Tournament.
The Delta Devils (2-7) overcame a tense seventh inning, in which Alcorn closed within two runs, with a dominant late-game offensive surge. Left fielder Aiden Meyer led the way, finishing 2-for-5 with a grand slam in the eighth inning and five RBIs overall. His home run to left field capped a five-run eighth that broke open a close game. Meyer also doubled in the third inning and scored, establishing himself as the offensive catalyst.
Mississippi Valley State jumped on Alcorn starter freshman Devin Kriley early, scoring once in the first on an Israel Ramos single. In the third inning, the Delta Devils sent 11 batters to the plate, tallying five runs highlighted by a double from Kendall Brookins and Meyer’s two-RBI double. An error by Alcorn third baseman Kanious “Spanky” Davis allowed two unearned runs, leading to Kriley’s exit after 2.2 innings. Kriley fell to 0-4.
Alcorn responded in the seventh, scoring four runs against relievers Clint Lafferty and Ethan Fuller. Junior Julian Jarrett delivered a key two-run single, bringing the Braves within two. Michael Bonelli added an RBI single, further narrowing the gap. Starting pitcher Jace Jones pitched three scoreless innings before giving way to Lafferty, who earned the win to improve to 1-0.
Jaylyn Bennett led offensively for Mississippi Valley State, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. The Delta Devils benefitted from four Alcorn errors and nine walks issued by the Braves. They added three insurance runs in the ninth, highlighted by a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch that scored a run after Meyer’s strikeout.
Alcorn reliever José Cherena struggled in the eighth, allowing three earned runs on a wild pitch and hit batsman. The Braves’ next game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, at Willie E. “Rat” McGowan Stadium, hosting Southern-New Orleans at 6 p.m. Follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter (@BravesSports) and on Instagram (@AlcornSports) for updates.
