Box Score Anthony Ricciardi went seven strong innings, and Branden Castro and Emmanuel Marrero each had three hits as Alabama State beat UAB 7-1 Tuesday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
 
Ricciardi, named SWAC Pitcher of the Week earlier in the day, scattered seven hits and allowed just one run, walked none and struck out one in his final home game as he and fellow seniors Leo Rojas and Matt Burnside were honored before the game.
 
“He battled again. I was very proud of him,” head coach Mervyl Melendez said of Ricciardi. “He was leaving the ball up in the earlier stages of the game, but found his groove. He was very tough tonight. He competed very well, and made good pitches when he needed to. In the fifth inning, UAB hit a leadoff double, but he made quality pitches and the runner didn't score. On top of that, it's Senior Day and the last time he's going to pitch here at home.”
 
Castro hit a two-run homer to left field on a 1-0 pitch in the second inning as it scored Dillon Cooper to give Alabama State a 2-0 lead.
 
After UAB scored in the seventh to cut the Hornet lead in half, Alabama State responded with five runs in the bottom of the inning. Dexter Price and Castro led off with back-to-back doubles. Marrero singled to right field to score both runners, while Marrero advanced to second on an error. Following a sacrifice bunt and a walk, Rojas hit an infield single, scoring Marrero. Richard Gonzalez reached on an fielder's choice, scoring Derrick Sanders, and Waldyvan Estrada's single to right field scored Rojas for the final margin.
 
“You have to create big innings; usually that's what wins ball games,” Melendez said. “We saw Sunday (in a nine-run inning by Jackson State) how it can hurt you. On the flip side of that, if you're the owner of that big inning, usually you're going to win that game. I was very proud we put good at-bats together in those innings.”
 
Alabama State ended its home schedule with an 18-8 record while improving to 27-18 on the season.  
 
“I'm very proud of the guys. The effort was phenomenal,” Melendez said. “Going back to the first game of the season, with T.J. Renda throwing a no-hitter here means a lot. Finishing up against UAB, the defending Conference USA Champion who played in the NCAA Tournament last year, and completing our home schedule with a win feels good.”
 
The Hornets begin an eight-game road trip to end the regular season at UAB Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live online at bamastatesports.com/showcase.