HOOVER, Ala.- Zarria Smith struck out eight batters to help Savannah State open the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Roundup with a 4-2 win over Kentucky State in a game played March 12, 2024 at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.
 
Smith struck out at least one batter in the first four innings and struck out the side in the sixth inning.
 
Neveah Ford hit a single up the middle for SSU in the first inning and scored on a ground out by Haley Carol. LaTaviona Parke drew a walk and scored when Ziahya Griffin reached base on a fielder's choice for a 2-0 lead.
 
Ford hit another single up the middle in the second inning that allowed Kayla Ragins, who was pinch running for Caleigh Powell, to score to increase the SSU lead to 3-0.
 
The Thorobred scored twice in the top of the fifth inning but Savannah State responded in the bottom half of the inning when Parke led off with a ground-rule double and scored when Madison Starling-Martin reached base on a fielder's choice.
 
Ford went 3-for-4 at the plate for the Lady Tigers with one RBI and one run scored while Powel went 2-for-3 at the plate. Parke scored twice for the winners.
 
Kayla West had a pair of hits for KSU (4-7, 0-1 SIAC) and Theresa Pelland, who struck out six batters, was the losing pitcher.
 
Kentucky State left nine runners on base and SSU left eight runners.
 
Savannah State (7-12, 3-3 SIAC) will play LeMoyne-Owen in the March 12 afternoon game.