TALLAHASSEE, Fla. --The Florida A&M Rattlers took a 3-1 lead in the first inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 9-1 victory over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday.
Junior Samantha Smith (9-9) started in the circle and picked up the win for Florida A&M (23-17, 19-4). The right-hander went five innings, giving up one run on two hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.
At the plate, the Rattlers were paced by senior Nyah Morgan, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a triple, a walk and an RBI. Smith put together a standout performance at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with two RBI. Senior Amaya Gainer also helped out for Florida A&M, putting together one hit in one trip to the plate while adding a walk and two RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rattlers were trailing 1-0 in the first inning when they first put runs on the board.
The Rattlers then held the Bulldogs scoreless before expanding their lead in the fourth inning. The Florida A&M offense exploded for six runs, highlighted by a one-run single off the bat of Smith, which brought the Rattlers lead to 9-1. The score remained 9-1 for the rest of the game, as Florida A&M coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» Florida A&M's highest scoring inning was the fourth, when it pushed six runs across.
» Florida A&M grabbed a 3-1 lead in the bottom half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» The Rattlers out-hit the Bulldogs at an 8-2 clip.
» Florida A&M went 6-for-8 (.750) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 19 Alabama A&M hitters in the game, allowing 12 ground balls and one fly balls while striking out three.
» The Rattlers drew four walks from Alabama A&M pitching.
» Morgan led the Rattlers at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a triple and an RBI.
» Alabama A&M was led offensively by K. Puckett, who went 1-for-1 with an RBI.
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