The Rattlers dropped the last game of the series against Alcorn State Sunday 7-2
Photo by: Sydney Vigille
Alcorn State University took the last game of a four game series Sunday at Moore-Kittles Field as the Florida A&M baseball program fell 7-2.
Though defeated, the Rattlers stayed in good spirits –hoping to learn lessons to better the team in their next games.
“Today’s game we came out to win the series,” said junior outfielder Willis McDaniel. “We came out and battled back when we were down early with good hits. Today showed that anyone can be beat and the other team played a little better. Now, we are looking to learn from the loss and prepare for our next game.”
The game started off neck and neck in the first inning with the Braves and the Rattlers each scoring two runs. Curtis, and senior outfielder Dallas Oliver scoring for the only runs of the day for the Rattlers.
However, due to inclimate weather conditions, the game was delayed in the bottom of the first inning with one out and the score even at two apiece.
After an hour rain delay, the teams returned to the field only for a slow, no scoring three innings.
Head Coach Jamey Shouppe said the rain could have played a factor in the Rattlers’ performance on the field.
“Today we came out flat,” said Shouppe. “I don’t know if it was the rain delay or what. Friday’s game against the same club, we played terrible and did not deserve to win. Today’s game we just couldn’t hit. We hit balls right at people early and then we just didn’t hit. You’re not going to win many games only getting three hits.”
In the top of the fifth, Alcorn State hit two homers bringing the score to 4-2. In the bottom of the fifth, senior infielder Brian David was able to walk to first base. However, senior catcher Jacky Miles Jr. hit a pop fly to left field the rounded out the fifth inning. David was unable to secure a run.
In the top of the sixth inning, freshman pitcher Josh Barr took the mound. However, two Alcorn hitters were able to get on base. FAMU called a timeout switching Barr with junior pitcher Jamie Grant. Grant was unable to close out the inning without Alcorn scoring. Alcorn had the bases loaded and was able to send three runners home.
The Rattlers were held scoreless in the sixth, and neither team were able to score in the seventh inning making the final score 7-2.
During the entire game, the Rattlers were only able to get three hits. Alcorn secured six. Three errors were made by FAMU through out the game. Alcorn only had one.
“Alcorn State capitalized every opportunity they had. We played well as a team today. We just couldn’t piece together a win,” said David.
The Rattlers will be on the road tomorrow to face FIU in Miami, FL at 6pm.