MVSU Edges JSU in Extra-Inning Thriller
ITTA BENA, MISS. - Mississippi Valley State rallied from two runs down to clip Jackson State 3-2 in extra innings before a national television audience on ESPNU. The Devilettes (21-17, 8-0 in SWAC) took over sole possession of first place in the SWAC Eastern Division with the win, while JSU slipped to 7-1 in the conference and 24-19 overall.
A pair of wild innings set the stage for the wild finish. JSU scored in the fifth inning when a failed rundown and an error resulted in two runs. Wendi Reed was trapped in a rundown after Arial Seigel grounded into a fielder's choice. However, Reed escaped and scored. Meanwhile, Seigel never stopped running. She rounded the bases and when MVSU first baseman Shana Ladner's throw home didn't have a receiver, Seigel scored, giving JSU a 2-0 lead.
With their backs against the wall in the seventh inning, MVSU got the two runs back on a similarly bizarre play. With runners on second and third and one out, Alexandra Sullivan grounded to third base. The JSU third baseman Sabeana Romero tried the cut the run off at home, but Tiger catcher Arianna Smith couldn't hang on and Megan Martinez scored. As the ball trickled away, Yasmin Battle scored the tying run from second base.
In the eighth inning, Alexandria Robertson walked and Ladner singled with one out. Then, Natalia Covarrubias ripped a single into centerfield. Robertson beat the throw home to score the game winner.
Ladner and Kishti Kamaka had two hits each to lead MVSU. Both had doubles. Siegel had a pair of singles to lead JSU.
The winning pitcher was Alicia Lorenz (12-8). She went the distance for MVSU. In eight innings and 100 pitches, Lorenz scattered three hits, struck on six and walked three. Neither of the JSU runs were earned.
Breea Jamerson took the loss for JSU. She worked 7 1/3 innings, allowed three runs, one earned, eight hits, four walks and she had a strikeout.
The two teams are scheduled to duel it out in a doubleheader on Saturday.
