MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Juan Cruz, Jack Hay and Kyler McIntosh combined for nine RBIs to lead the Alabama State University baseball past the University of South Alabama 12-2 on Tuesday.

Senior Luis Rodriguez (6-3) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Alabama State (25-22). The right-hander went 2.1 innings, giving up one run on three hits, allowing no walks and striking out five. Sophomore Austin King also made an impact on the mound for the Hornets, starting the ballgame and throwing 3.2 innings, giving up one run on two hits.

In addition to his three hits, Flores had a double and a triple to lead the Hornets. Hay added three RBI to his three-hit performance as well. Junior Kyler McIntosh also contributed for Alabama State, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a home run, a walk and three RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 1-0, the Hornets first put runs on the board in the fifth inning. Alabama State's offense started clicking and put up six runs, including a two-run single off the bat of Hay.

The Jaguars then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 6-2 until the Hornets expanded their advantage in the sixth. The Alabama State offense exploded for five runs, highlighted by a three-run home run off the bat of McIntosh, which brought the Hornets lead to 11-2.

Alabama State kept South Alabama scoreless before expanding their lead to 12-2 the following inning. The Hornets scored once on an RBI single off the bat of freshman Juan Cruz. The score remained 12-2 for the rest of the game, as Alabama State coasted to the win.

GAME NOTES
» Alabama State got three-hit games from both Flores and Hay.
» Rodriguez struck out five Jaguars hitters.
» The Hornets power output was led by Flores, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the fifth, when it pushed six runs across.
» The Hornets out-hit the Jaguars at an 11-5 clip.
» Alabama State went 5-for-9 (.556) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers limited South Alabama to just 1-for-9 (.111) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 29 South Alabama hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out six.
» The Hornets drew six walks from South Alabama pitching.
» McIntosh led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI.
» South Alabama was led offensively by senior Micah Morgan, who went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and an RBI.

UP NEXT: Alabama State hosts SWAC East leader Florida A&M for a three-game series starting on Friday at 6 p.m.