AUBURN, Ala. | Alabama State University scored a run in the seventh, eighth and ninth inngs to eras a 1-0 deficet and earn a 3-2 upset over Auburn University on Tuesday at Planusman Park.
The win was the first win over and SEC or Power 5 opponent since defeating Tennessee in 2016.
Junior Caio Araujo (2-1) got the win out of the bullpen for Alabama State (14-16). The right-hander went four shutout innings, giving up one hit, one walk and striking out four. Senior Luis Rodriguez started the ballgame and went four innings, surrendering one run on three hits, walking two and striking out three.
At the plate, the Hornets were paced by senior Ali LaPread, who went 1-for-3 on the day with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Senior Randy Flores put together a standout performance as well, going 1-for-5 with a home run and an RBI. Sophomore Jamal George also contributed for Alabama State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0, the Hornets first put runs on the board in the seventh inning. LaPread put Alabama State on the board with a leadoff home run off sophomore Zach Crotchfelt.
The score stayed at 1-1 until the very next inning, when the Hornets put runs on the scoreboard once again. Alabama State picked up a run on Flores’ leadoff home run off of Crotchfelt, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of the Hornets.
Alabama State kept Auburn without a run before building their lead to 3-1 the following inning. Auburn put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Alabama State still held on for the 3-2 win.
GAME NOTES
» Alabama State’s highest scoring inning was the ninth, when it pushed one run across.
» The Hornets out-hit the Tigers at an 8-5 clip.
» Alabama State pitchers limited Auburn to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 38 Auburn hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 14 fly balls while striking out seven.
» LaPread led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
» Auburn was led offensively by freshman Cade Belyeu, who went 1-for-4 with a triple.
» Senior Christian Herberholz led the Tigers pitching staff, throwing five scoreless innings.
Alabama State begins a three-game SWAC series against Bethune-Cookman on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Wheeler -Watkins Baseball Complex..