TALLAHASSEE, FL --The Florida A&M Rattlers took a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 7-3 win over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Thursday.

Senior Caleb Granger (9-2) started on the mound and picked up the win for Florida A&M (26-24, 21-7). The right-hander went six innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on nine hits, allowing two walks and striking out five. Senior Andrew Ginther also made an impact on the mound for the Rattlers, throwing three shutout innings while allowing one hit, with no walks and three strikeouts.

In the batter's box, the Rattlers were led by junior Janmikell Bastardo, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run, a walk and two RBI. Senior Ty Jackson put together a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 2-for-3 with two walks and an RBI. Senior True Fontenot also helped out for Florida A&M, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding two RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Rattlers got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Florida A&M scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by a two-run homer from Bastardo.

The Delta Devils then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 3-1 until the Rattlers expanded their advantage in the fourth. Florida A&M scored once on a run-scoring single off the bat of Bastardo, which brought the Rattlers lead to 4-1.

Mississippi Valley State narrowed Florida A&M's lead to 4-3 before the Rattlers stretched the advantage to 7-3 in the seventh inning. The score remained 7-3 for the rest of the game, as Florida A&M coasted to the win.

GAME NOTES
» Granger struck out five Delta Devils hitters.
» Florida A&M's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed three runs across.
» Florida A&M took a 3-0 lead in the bottom half of the first and didn't surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» Jackson stole three bases in Thursday's game.
» Florida A&M pitchers limited Mississippi Valley State to just 2-for-10 (.200) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 39 Mississippi Valley State hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out eight.
» The Rattlers drew six walks from Mississippi Valley State pitching.
» Bastardo led the Rattlers at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» Mississippi Valley State was led offensively by senior Davon Mims, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
» Senior Isaiah Valenzuela led the Delta Devils pitching staff, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings.

This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.

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