JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State scored five runs in the sixth inning to complete an 8-4 comeback win in the series opener against visiting Bethune-Cookman at JSU Softball Field in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) matchup on Friday afternoon.
 
Bethune-Cookman (11-22, 9-4 SWAC) led 4-3 heading into the home half of the sixth inning.
 
Shortstop Briana Velazquez began the inning with a leadoff double, later coming home off the end of an Essence Gibbs RBI fielder's choice to restore the BCU lead for the third time on the day.
 
In the bottom of the frame, Jackson State (21-11, 9-3) began its at-bat with a leadoff double as well – this one from designated player Gabrielle Willis, followed by a Julie Lopez single to put runners on the corners for the Tigers. BCU Head Coach Laura Watten turned to relief pitcher Angelina Badalament at that point from the bullpen.
 
However, the first batter to face the Plant City, Florida, native turned a fielder's choice into extra bases with an error on the Wildcats infield. That allowed the Tigers' pinch runner Jalia Hubbard and Willis to score and give JSU a 5-4 advantage. Third baseman Jace Jackson would knock in a run with a fielder's choice of her own, as well as Mari Stephens stealing home.
 
BCU led early-on with two runs in the top of the second inning.
 
With the bases loaded and one out, Kallie Earlington drew a walk to move in Thais Uyema who walked in her at-bat as well to lead off the inning. Gibbs collected an RBI with her single to short, driving in Shanai Owens on the play.
 
With the game tied at 2-all in the top of the fifth, the Wildcats once again moved in front as first baseman Ciera Clark laced an RBI double to the wall in left to score Uyema and give BCU a 3-2 lead.
 
The win went to JSU's Victoria Salazar (13-7) as she went the distance in the circle, allowing four runs on 10 hits, three walks and one strikeout. The loss went to Wildcats starter Halyne Gonzalez (7-11) as she threw five innings, accounting for five runs (four earned) on eight hits, two walks and two strikeouts.
 
BCU received a solid 3-for-4 outing at the dish from Clark, as she also drove across one run. Velazquez finished her day 2-for-4 with a run scored.
 
The two teams meet back at JSU Softball Field Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. ET, for a doubleheader to conclude the series.
 
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