Jackson State now has the best overall and SWAC conference record after an emphatic sweep of Alabama State. The Tigers, 21-7 overall and 15-0 in the SWAC, received many standout performances over the weekend including one from Nikelle Galatas in the series finale.
The junior tossed seven innings and scattered five hits, allowed two runs and one walk while striking out nine batters. Steven Davila entered in relief and threw two innings and fanned three batters to earn the save. Both Galatas and Davila were dominant once again.
Offensively, JSU got it’s work in at the plate. Ty Hill, CJ Newsome, Chandler Dillard, Chenar Brown, Marshal Luiz, Equon Smith, Wesley Reyes and Chevy Dorris all produced. The Tigers came into the series leading the country in stolen bases, were aggressive going station to station.
Alabama State put up a really good fight, but ultimately, Jackson State came away with a home sweep of the Hornets. Understanding that JSU clearly has a better offense than ASU, this past weekend was a return to form for the Tigers pitching staff.
The best start of the weekend came from Anthony Becerra in the opener. He tossed six innings, giving up four hits, three earned runs with 5 strikeouts. CJ Newsome, Marshal Luiz, and Ty Hill each recorded multiple hit games at the plate. Hill led JSU with three runs batted on the afternoon in support of Becerra.
Sunday’s finale was a tight affair, with the Tigers bullpen doing just enough to protect a lead. The lineup collected nine hits including two-hits and two runs batted in from Chandler Dillard.
The Tigers also showed off their bullpen depth over the weekend. Relievers threw 9 innings in three games, giving up eight hits and two runs with 11 strikeouts. Third baseman Ty Hill was a consistent performer all weekend. He had five total hits, including a double and a stolen base.
Alabama State always plays better in the friendly confines of Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex in Montgomery and every team will likely have at least one disappointing weekend in a season. The Hornets just have to hope this is one of those and not a step back.