By Curtis Ford, Grambling State Associate AD for Athletic Communications; featured photo by Marcus Plummer
HOUSTON — Cameron Hill drove in 11 runs in Grambling State’s 20-10 victory over Southern in the Cactus Jack HBCU Classic at Daikin Park on Saturday afternoon.
Hill went 4-for-5 with two home runs, two doubles and 11 RBI in the win.
After a three-run top of the first for Southern, Grambling State’s Hill responded in the bottom of the frame with a three-run homer to tie the game.
The Tigers trailed Southern 7-3 in midway through the fifth inning but scored 17 runs over the final three frames to earn the run rule win. Hill sparked GSU’s rally in the bottom of the fifth with a three-RBI double.
Chenar Brown brought Hill around to score and tie the game 7-7 with an RBI double. A bases loaded balk by SU pitcher Oliver Brown allowed GSU to move in front 8-7.
With the Tigers leading 13-10 in the bottom of the seventh, Hill smashed his second three-run homer of the day to extend the lead to 16-10. In the bottom of the eighth, Hill drew a bases loaded walk for his 11th RBI of the day and invoke the mercy rule.
Mason Martinez got the start on the mound for GSU. He struck out nine batters in 4.2 innings of work. He surrendered seven runs on seven hits and three walks.
Ethan Bates (1-0) earned the win in a relief appearance, tossing 1.2 innings and surrendering three runs on two hits and a walk. He registered one strikeout.
Thomas Leiden and Derrell Fletch also saw action on the mound for the Tigers. The combined for 1.2 innings and held the Jaguars to no runs.
Amare McGown (0-1) was tagged with the loss for Southern in relief. He failed to record an out, allowing six runs on three hits.
UP NEXT
Grambling State concludes play in the Cactus Jack HBCU Classic on Sunday morning when the Tigers take on Alabama A&M. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Daikin Park.