MONTGOMERY, Ala. - South Alabama (15-20) fell as Alabama State (19-19) walked off the Jags in the ninth inning despite a career day from starter Tyler Smith.

The Jags loaded the bases in the second inning, with an RBI walk scoring South first. The next batter hit an infield single followed by a throwing error scored two more for the early three-run lead.

Quiet third and fourth innings gave way to one run for both teams in the fifth. USA scored on a wild pitch, and ASU scored on a fielders' choice. 


Tyler Smith held the mound for a career 6.1 innings, throwing 100 pitches, and striking out six batters along the way for his best career start.

Alabama State cut the lead to a 4-2 ballgame in the seventh, then with two bases occupied in the eighth, struck three singles in a row to take a 5-4 lead heading into the final frame. 

John Smith III led off the ninth with a rocket of a home run to tie the game. The Jags ended the inning with bases loaded but no extra runs scored.

Alabama State worked runners to first and second, and a single to the outfield gave the game winning run to the Hornets.

QUOTES
Head Coach Mark Calvi

On tonight's game: We got a fantastic start out of Tyler Smith. We had chances to make a play, make a pitch, have an at bat, but we didn't do it enough. We left too many men on base. That's the story of the game. Our guys competed hard and they fought hard. Tyler Smith gave us every opportunity to win. I'm so proud of that kid. We just didn't do enough after he left. We didn't make pitches and I give congratulations to Alabama State, They did the things they needed to do to win in the last third of the game, and we did not beat them. bottom line.

UP NEXT
South Alabama hosts Texas State for a conference series, with game one starting Thursday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m.

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