MONTGOMERY, Ala. --Freshman Carson Kelly dominated on Saturday, striking out eight Alabama State hitters over seven innings of work to help lead the Florida A&M Rattlers over the Hornets 7-5.

In addition to his eight strikeouts, Kelly (6-2) threw seven innings, giving up two runs, both of them earned, on five hits and walking three for Florida A&M (24-24, 19-7).

Offensively, the Rattlers were paced by junior Janmikell Bastardo, who went 2-for-5 on the day with a double, a triple and four RBI. Senior True Fontenot compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk and an RBI. Sophomore Broedy Poppell also helped out for Florida A&M, putting together three hits in four trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 1-0, the Rattlers first put runs on the board in the third inning. Florida A&M scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Bastardo.

The Hornets then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 3-2 until the Rattlers expanded their advantage in the fifth. Florida A&M picked up a run on Fontenot's one-out solo home run off of junior Jose Almazan, which brought the Rattlers lead to 4-2.

Florida A&M kept Alabama State without a run before building their lead to 7-2 in the seventh inning. The Rattlers added three runs in the frame, two of them coming across on a two-run triple from Bastardo. Alabama State put three runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Florida A&M still held on for the 7-5 win.

GAME NOTES
» Poppell picked up three hits in the game for Florida A&M.
» Kelly struck out eight Hornets hitters.
» The Rattlers power output was led by Bastardo, who compiled two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Bastardo drove in four runs for Florida A&M.
» Florida A&M's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed three runs across.
» Florida A&M took the lead at 3-1 in the top half of the third and never lost that advantage.
» Kelly put together seven innings of two-run ball for the Rattlers.
» Four Rattlers had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Rattlers out-hit the Hornets at a 10-9 clip.
» Florida A&M went 4-for-12 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 42 Alabama State hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Rattlers drew five walks from Alabama State pitching.
» Bastardo led the Rattlers at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a double, a triple and four RBI.
» Alabama State was led offensively by freshman Juan Cruz, who went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.
» Senior Luis Rodriguez led the Hornets pitching staff, throwing three scoreless innings.

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