HOUSTON, Texas --Senior Alex Martinez racked up four hits to help lead the Prairie View A&M Panthers past the Grambling Tigers 7-5 on Friday.
Freshman Elijah Breeden (1-0) got the win for Prairie View A&M (1-0). The right-hander went 4.1 innings, giving up two runs, one earned, on four hits, allowing three walks, and striking out six.
In addition to his four hits, Martinez had three RBI to lead the Panthers. Senior Sebastian Coria put together a noteworthy effort as well, going 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI. Freshman Marshal Jonas also contributed for Prairie View A&M, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding a triple, a walk, and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Panthers put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the third inning. Prairie View A&M got an RBI single from Jonas, scoring senior Zachary Trevino from third base.
The Panthers then held the Tigers scoreless before expanding their lead in the fifth inning. which brought the score to 4-0 in favor of the Panthers.
Grambling narrowed Prairie View A&M's lead to 4-2 before the Panthers stretched the advantage to 6-2 in the seventh inning. The Panthers scored twice, with one run coming across on Coria's single.
The Tigers fought back, closing the gap to 6-3 until Prairie View A&M added some insurance in the ninth. The Panthers scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Martinez, bringing the Prairie View A&M advantage to 7-3. Grambling put two runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but the Panthers still held on for the 7-5 win.
GAME NOTES
» Martinez compiled four hits on the day for Prairie View A&M.
» Breeden struck out six Tigers hitters and junior Michael Dews fanned five for the Panthers.
» Prairie View A&M's highest-scoring inning was the fifth when it pushed three runs across.
» Prairie View A&M took the lead at 1-0 in the top half of the third and never lost that advantage.
» The Panthers out-hit the Tigers at a 12-9 clip.
» Prairie View A&M went 7-for-17 (.412) with runners in scoring position.
» Prairie View A&M pitchers faced 40 Grambling hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out 11.
» Martinez led the Panthers at the plate, going 4-for-5 with three RBI.
» Grambling was led offensively by sophomore Trevor Hatton, who went 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, and three RBI.
» Senior Phillip led the Tigers pitching staff, throwing one scoreless inning.
