GAME 5: Tennessee State 4, Florida A&M 3
RECORDS: TSU (1-4), FAMU (0-5)
FIELD: Gulf Shores Sportsplex
LOCATION: Gulf Shores, Ala.
WEATHER: Cloudy, 60

GULF SHORES, Ala. --- Tennessee State used a big third inning against Florida A&M on Sunday afternoon to gain its first win of the season. The Tigers closed out the opening weekend with a 1-4 record at the Sand Dollar Classic.

The Rattlers scored in the second inning to take an early 1-0 lead. Two innings later the Tigers exploded for three runs. Bri Vire evened the score with an RBI single to plate pinch runner Kierra Ware. The Big Blue took the lead on a successful double steal as Reese Weber crossed home plate. Savanah Wallace closed out the inning with a run scoring single, driving in Vire.

FAMU would get one run back in the bottom half of the fourth, but the Tigers answered back in the fifth. Melton once again got things going with a leadoff single. Lindsay Warren replaced Reese Weber on first base after a fielder's choice that retired Melton. Vire and Sarah Snell followed with back-to-back singles to load the bases. The Tigers took a 4-2 advantage as Lauren Farias earned a walk to force home Warren.

The Rattlers scored in the sixth to make the score 4-3, but were unable to get any closer as starter Raven Loveless secured her first collegiate win. The freshman hurler tossed a complete game in her first career start, allowing three runs, one earned on six hits and one walk while striking out two.

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