The Alabama A&. M University baseball team fell to Illinois State, 14-2, in seven innings during Wednesday afternoon’s home opener at Bulldog Baseball Field. The Bulldogs trailed by three runs in the sixth inning but were unable to recover from a six-run seventh by the Redbirds.
Early Lead and Illinois State Response
Alabama A&M (2-6) initially took the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Isaac Castro drew a bases-loaded walk, allowing Wilmer Cuevas to score and put the Bulldogs ahead, 1-0. Illinois State (6-2) responded in the third inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to grab a 2-1 lead.
The Redbirds extended their advantage to 4-1 with two runs in the fourth inning and added another in the fifth, leading 5-1.
Bulldogs Respond, Redbirds Pull Away
Alabama A&M narrowed the gap in the bottom of the fifth. Chris Walker hit a double down the left-field line, scoring Brycen Hammonds and bringing the score to 5-2. However, Illinois State regained momentum with three runs in the sixth and sealed the victory with six runs on five hits in the seventh.
Keondre Fields and Cuevas each recorded a pair of hits for the Bulldogs, contributing to their total of five hits.
Pitching Changes
Starter Antonio Torres pitched two innings for Alabama A&M, recording four strikeouts and one walk. Raymond Clark (0-1) was charged with the loss, surrendering two unearned runs. Nick Espinola, Grant Minor, Avery Seaton, and Kameron Vandersee also pitched in relief.
Looking Ahead
Alabama A&M is scheduled to return to action in the Holiday Inn Classic on Friday against Notre Dame. The first pitch is set for 11 a.m. At Quillen Field at Bush Stadium at the Averitt Express Baseball Complex in Cookeville, Tenn.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alabama A&M take the lead in the game?
Alabama A&M took the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Isaac Castro drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing in Wilmer Cuevas.
How many hits did Alabama A&M record during the game?
The Bulldogs collected a total of five hits during the game.
Who took the loss for Alabama A&M?
Raymond Clark (0-1) took the loss, surrendering two unearned runs.
What factors might contribute to Alabama A&M’s success in future games against challenging opponents?
