Alabama State Nearly Pulls Off Stunning NCAA Tournament Upset Against Oklahoma State
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Posted By: Will Moss on May 31, 2026 Alabama State came within one swing of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history Saturday, pushing Oklahoma State to the brink before falling 8-7 in 11 innings in a regional matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats. What was supposed to be a No. 4 vs. No. 2 seed mismatch turned into an epic heavyweight battle that showcased everything that makes HBCU baseball special—resilience, determination, and the refusal to back down from anyone. Key Takeaway: The Hornets out-hit Oklahoma State 11-5 and erased a six-run deficit, proving they belong on college baseball's biggest stage. Hornets Set the Tone EarlyStarting pitcher James Peterson delivered a masterful performance early, holding the Cowboys scoreless through the first three innings. The Oklahoma State offense, one of the nation's most potent, couldn't solve Peterson's repertoire until the fourth inning when Colin Brueggemann launched a grand slam to give the Cowboys their first runs of the game. Oklahoma State extended their lead to 6-0 with two more runs in the sixth inning, building what appeared to be an insurmountable advantage. But Alabama State had other plans. The Comeback BeginsThe Hornets started chipping away in the bottom of the sixth when Niguel Jenkins crushed a two-run homer to make it 6-2. After adding a run in the seventh, Alabama State delivered the dramatic blow in the eighth inning—a two-run bomb by Cale Clark, his first home run of the season, that tied the game at 6-6 and sent the Hornets' faithful into a frenzy. Extra-Innings DramaThe game moved to extra innings, where the drama only intensified. Oklahoma State broke the tie with a run in the 10th, but Alabama State answered immediately. The Hornets scratched across a run on a bases-loaded walk, and with the bases still loaded, Devin Chandler came to the plate with a chance to win it. He struck out swinging on a 3-2 pitch, sending the thriller to the 11th inning. In the 11th, Oklahoma State's Kollin Ritchie delivered a solo homer that proved to be the difference. Despite one final chance in the bottom of the inning, the Hornets' magical comeback effort fell just short. The Final Numbers: Alabama State demonstrated they belonged, outhitting one of the nation's established programs 11-5 and battling for over three hours in a game that won't soon be forgotten. Even in defeat, the Hornets proved something far more important than a single victory—they showed that HBCU baseball can compete with anyone, anywhere, on any stage. Alabama State's fearless approach and relentless fight exemplified the grit that defines postseason baseball at its finest. The scoreboard reads 8-7, Oklahoma State. But everyone who witnessed this instant classic knows Alabama State was one moment away from rewriting history entirely. Originally reported by HBCU Sports. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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