JACKSON, Miss. — UNC Asheville opened the second day of the JSU Tournament with an 8-2 win over Alcorn State on Saturday at Braddy Field.
Bulldogs centerfielder Ben Green led off the second inning with a triple, setting up the first run on Owen Michelson’s RBI double. Michelson’s hit scored Green, giving UNC Asheville an early 1-0 lead. Tyler Parks followed with an RBI groundout, increasing the lead to 2-0.
The Bulldogs added to their lead in the third inning when Michelson singled to score Jake Minarik from third. In the sixth inning, UNC Asheville scored four runs, chasing starter Kayden Sutton from the game. Zeb Swangim’s double and back-to-back singles from Logan Lowe and Patrick Gillen fueled the rally. Blaize Johnson’s sacrifice fly capped the inning’s scoring.
Alcorn scored its only runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Third baseman Kanious Davis was hit by a pitch to start the seventh, and Cooper Harris followed with a single. Davis later scored on a double from Keaten Hawk. In the eighth, Adrian Vallescorbo singled home Chase Moore for the final run.
Cooper Smith earned his first win of the season, pitching all nine innings. He allowed two runs on nine hits with six strikeouts and no walks. Sutton took the loss, working 5.1 innings and giving up six runs on seven hits. Relief pitcher Yoni Castro pitched 3.2 innings, allowing two runs on five hits for Alcorn.
Michelson went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored for UNC Asheville. Moore led Alcorn with a 2-for-3 effort and a run scored. Harris extended his hitting streak to four of his last five games.
Alcorn is scheduled to face Mississippi Valley State on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Braddy Field. Follow Alcorn State Sports on Twitter (@BravesSports), Instagram (@AlcornSports), and YouTube (Braves Sports Network) for updates.
