GULFPORT, Miss.| Jackson State got contributions from every part of its lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Tigers put eight runs on the board to take down Southern 8-3 Tuesday in their first game of the 2024 SWAC Softball Tournament.
Victoria Salazar (11-9) started in the circle and picked up the win for Jackson State (30-17). The right-hander went six innings, giving up three runs, all of them earned, on eight hits, allowing no walks and striking out two.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Trailing 1-0 after the first inning, the Tigers began to put runs on the board in the third inning.
- Jackson State scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run home run over the left field fence from Jace Jackson.
- The Jaguars then tied the ballgame at three before the Tigers came back to reclaim their advantage in the fourth inning.
- The JSUÂ offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a one-run single off the bat of Julie Lopez, which brought the Tigers lead to 7-3.
- Jackson State kept Southern scoreless before building their lead to 8-3 the following inning.
- The score remained 8-3 for the rest of the game, as Jackson State coasted to the win.
INSIDE THE NUMBERSÂ
- Lopez compiled three base hits in the game for Jackson State.
- Every Jackson State starter reached base safely in the win.
- Jackson State's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed four runs across.
- Five Tigers had multiple hits in the ballgame.
- The Tigers had a total of 15 hits.
- JSU out-hit the Jaguars at a 15-9 clip.
- Jackson State went 7-for-18 (.389) with runners in scoring position.
- JSU's pitchers faced 28 Southern hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and five fly balls while striking out three.
- Jackson led the Tigers at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
- Southern was led offensively by Asia George, who went 3-for-4 with a double.
- Jordynn Jennings led the Jaguars pitching staff, throwing three innings of five-run ball.
UP NEXT
The Tigers will face the winner of Prairie View A&M and Alabama State. Stay tuned to @GoJSUSoftball for game updates.
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