In an exciting baseball matchup between Alabama State University Hornets and Valparaiso University Beacons, the Hornets emerged victorious with a dominant 16-5 win on Feb. 16.
The game, held at Wheeler-Watkins Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama, showcased an impressive offensive display from the Hornets, with standout performances from key players.
The starting pitchers for the game were Griffin McCluskey for the Beacons and Jose Almazan for the Hornets. Almazan proved to be the winning pitcher, going strong for five innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out five Beacons batters. McCluskey, on the other hand, struggled against the formidable Hornets lineup, lasting 4.1 innings and giving up seven runs.
The scoring action began in the second inning when the Hornets Cristian Lopez grounded out to shortstop, bringing in Ali LaPread for the first run of the game. The Beacons answered in the third inning, with a solo home run from Kaleb Hannahs, tying the score at 1-1.
The Hornets quickly regained control in the third inning as Isaiah Landry tripled to left field, bringing in Juan Cruz. Jack Hay followed up with a double down the left-field line, scoring Landry and giving the Hornets a 3-1 lead.
Valparaiso’s Giusti homered in the 4th inning, narrowing the gap to 3-2, but Alabama State continued to extend their lead. Kyler McIntosh and Jamal George contributed with home runs, while Lopez, McIntosh, and Jack Hay added RBIs, creating a comfortable lead for the Hornets.
Valparaiso fought back with homers from Thurston and Patton in the 5th and 7th innings, respectively, but Alabama State’s offense remained relentless. In the eighth inning, Jamal George sealed the victory with a two-run homer to center field.
Isaiah Landry, with a standout performance, ended the game with four hits, three RBIs, and four runs scored. Cristian Lopez also made a significant impact with three hits, five RBIs, and a double. The Hornets’ offense showcased power, speed, and precision throughout the game.
On the pitching side, Almazan, Colon, and Burden combined efforts to stifle Valparaiso’s lineup, limiting them to five runs. Despite a strong offensive effort from Valparaiso, Alabama State’s well-rounded performance secured a decisive victory.
With this win, Alabama State’s baseball team continues to showcase its prowess in the 2024 season, leaving a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike.