MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — The Alabama State Hornets rallied from a four-run deficit with a six-run seventh inning to defeat the South Alabama Jaguars 7-5 in a non-conference baseball game Wednesday night at Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.

The comeback victory improved Alabama State’s record to 15-16, while South Alabama fell to 19-14. The result defied the pregame projections, as Interstat’s ELO system had given the Jaguars a 72% probability to win, though the game simulator had predicted a tighter 5-4 Alabama State victory.

South Alabama built its lead methodically, scoring twice in the second inning on an RBI double by Marc Stephens and a sacrifice fly from Rett Johnson. The Jaguars then appeared to break the game open in the top of the seventh, plating three runs to extend their advantage to 5-1. Pinch-hitter Paxton Bigby and Stephens led off with singles, and after a sacrifice bunt, Duncan Mathews delivered a two-run single to right field. Stewart Puckett followed with another RBI single to score Mathews.

The game’s decisive shift came in the bottom of the seventh. Trailing 5-1, Alabama State loaded the bases with no outs against relievers Jake Middleton and Bryant Quimby. Aden Malpass then sliced the deficit to 5-3 with a two-run single. After a sacrifice bunt, Breydon Divine made it 5-4 with an RBI single. Following a pitching change that brought in Andrew Floyd, pinch-hitter Cale Clark completed the rally, lacing a two-run single to left field to give Alabama State its first lead at 6-5.

The Hornets added a critical insurance run in the eighth when Fabian Santana doubled home Alex Espaillat, who had walked. Santana finished with two RBIs.

Alabama State reliever Trey Power earned the win, tossing two scoreless innings after entering in the eighth. He stranded a runner and allowed no hits. South Alabama starter Hayden O’Dell took a no-decision after a strong outing, allowing one run on three hits over six innings while striking out four. Brian Garmon was charged with the loss for South Alabama.

The Jaguars out-hit the Hornets 9-7, with Mathews leading the way by going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. Stephens also had two hits and an RBI. For Alabama State, Malpass and Clark each drove in two runs during the pivotal seventh-inning rally.

South Alabama opens a Sun Belt Conference series at Georgia Southern on Friday. Alabama State begins Southwestern Athletic Conference play at Alabama A&M, also on Friday.