Jackson, Miss. – Jackson State scored four unearned runs and the Wildcats could not make up the difference as they fell, 8-3, Friday night in Jackson, Mississippi
 
How It Happened
 
Jackson State (23-22, 10-12 ASUN) opened the evening with a single, with the runner advancing to third on a Wildcat error. The Tigers got on the board a batter later with a sacrifice bunt to take the 1-0 lead.
 
The Wildcats (19-26, 13-9 SWAC) tied the game in the fourth as Irvin Escobar singled, scoring Christopher Patterson.  
 
Jackson State took the lead for good in the fourth on a solo homer. In the seventh, three Wildcat errors allowed the Tigers to push three runs across for the 5-1 lead. JSU added two more in the eighth.
 
The Wildcats plated a pair in the ninth on a RBI singles from Colton Olasin and Malik Stephens, but it was not enough as the Wildcats fell, 8-3 in the series opener.
 
"Tonight is definitely a disappointing loss to open a pivotal weekend for us," Wildcats head coach Jonathan Hernandez said postgame. "We made some big defensive mistakes late that opened things up for JSU. We need to continue to execute better when we have our opportunities with runners in scoring position."
 
Louis Lipthratt made the start. In 6.1 innings, he allowed five runs – only one earned – on seven hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Knickolas Billings pitched 1.2 innings, allowing three runs on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts.
 
"We just have to find more consistency," Hernandez said. "We're in the final three weeks of conference play – we have to play with a sense of urgency."
 
Notes

• Malik Stephens has reached safely in 16 straight games after two hits tonight.
• Patterson and Olasin also contributed multi-hit games for B-CU.
• The Wildcats left eight men on base.
• Five B-CU errors on the night is the highest total for the Wildcats since opening weekend.

Up Next

Game two of the three game series is set for 4 p.m. ET at Braddy Field in Jackson, Miss.  
 

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