Rattlers tighten hold on SWAC East Division lead
Photo courtesy FAMU athletics
Special to the Outlook
The FAMU softball team didn’t get the sweep over Alabama State, but the Rattlers maintain their hold on first place in the East Division of the SWAC standings.
After dropping the opener of the weekend series 9-7, the Rattlers took a doubleheader over the Hornets by scores of 6-4 and 9-2 Saturday at Veronica Wiggins Field.
The win left FAMU at 12-3 in conference play and 16-16 overall. Jackson State leapfrogged Bethune-Cookman (9-4) to take second place at 9-3.
FAMU wrapped up the home series by taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Rattlers added the eventual winning runs with two more in the fourth to go on top 4-2.
Junior Samantha Smith got the win to improve her record to 7-9. The right-hander went 4 2/3 innings. She gave up two runs on five hits.
The Rattlers’ offense was led by senior Nyomi Jones, who went 3 for 4 with two RBI. Sophomore Kayla Aldridge, who went 2 for 4, finished her day with a double and drove in two runs. Freshman Aniya Canty had two hits in as many trips to the plate, including a double and a walk. She also drove in a run.
FAMU put the game out of reach with a five-run sixth inning. Rattler stretched the advantage to 9-3 in the sixth inning.
The Rattlers will get an opportunity to move closer to clinching the division title when they face Jackson State at Veronica Wiggins Field. They open the series Friday at 6, then play a doubleheader Saturday. The first game begins at 1 p.m.
