Tigers Drop Series Opener To Florida A&M

A seven-run ninth inning by Florida A&M broke open a close game as they handed TSU a 10-1 loss in the series opener on Friday at MacGregor Park.

Florida A&M hit a two-out homer over the right field fence in the second for an early 2-0 lead as the score remained the same until the fourth. Bryce Highes led the inning off with a double and moved to third after Jaden Jones' fly to right field. Damien Garcia hit a high chopper to first which allowed Hughes to score for a 2-1 margin. FAMU would hit a leadoff double in the sixth followed by a single to put runners on first and third. TSU starter Calvin McClendon would work himself out of the jam as he forced a fielder's choice and strikeout. However, FAMU would execute a double steal following the strikeout for a 3-1 margin.

TSU had action in the eighth as Tyler Legendre and Elijah Rodriguez both reached base with no outs. However, Rodriguez would be thrown out at second after a passed ball and FAMU settled back in with a strikeout and flyout to end the inning. The Rattlers broke open a close game in the ninth with a seven-run frame against the TSU bullpen as the lead was too much to overcome from that point.

Kelton Phillips and Rodriguez both had two hits apiece while McClendon struck out five.