JACKSON, Miss. (Interstat) — In a stunning offensive explosion that defied pregame projections, the Florida A&M Rattlers salvaged a series split with a 23-8 rout of the Jackson State Tigers in a Southwestern Athletic Conference baseball game Sunday at Braddy Field.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded in the evening, saw the Rattlers pound out 20 hits, turning a close contest into a historic blowout with a 15-run sixth inning that stood as the game’s defining and most important sequence.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected an 8-5 Florida A&M victory, but the Rattlers obliterated that forecast. Entering the top of the sixth inning leading 5-8, Florida A&M sent 19 batters to the plate. The inning featured 10 hits, six walks, a hit batter and three Jackson State pitchers failing to stop the onslaught.

The rally was catalyzed by a two-run double from Will Brown and a two-run single from Caden Kresak. The crushing blow came from Jackson McKenzie, who launched a grand slam to left field, his second home run of the game, to clear the bases and extend the lead to 16-8. Jay Campbell later capped the monumental inning with a three-run homer down the left field line, his third hit of the frame, to bring the total to 15 runs and a 20-8 advantage.

Campbell, the Rattlers’ third baseman, finished 3 for 6 with a home run, a double and six RBIs, solidifying his status as the team’s top star. Designated hitter and pitcher Jackson McKenzie was equally formidable, going 3 for 5 with two home runs, including the grand slam, and six RBIs. On the mound, McKenzie also contributed 3 1/3 innings of relief, allowing no hits and one earned run while striking out one. Kresak added four RBIs on three hits, while Alex Monile and Will Brown each drove in two runs.

For Jackson State, which managed 11 hits, Tyree Reed delivered a spectacular individual performance in a losing effort. Reed was a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate, blasting three home runs and driving in five of the Tigers’ eight runs. Tyshon Patty added two RBIs on two hits.

The Rattlers set the tone early, scoring five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from McKenzie. Jackson State chipped away, fueled by Reed’s solo homer in the first, another in the third, and a two-run shot in the fourth. The Tigers pulled within a run at 7-8 after four innings, but the Rattlers’ bullpen, anchored by McKenzie, silenced their bats thereafter.

With the win, Florida A&M evened its season record at 16-16 overall. Jackson State fell to 13-18. The victory allowed the Rattlers to split the weekend series after dropping the first two games by scores of 5-4 in 11 innings on Friday and 1-0 on Saturday.

Florida A&M travels to face North Florida on Tuesday. Jackson State’s next action is a home conference series against Alabama State beginning Friday.