SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN SET FOR BRADDY FIELD

JACKSON, Miss. (Interstat) — The Florida A&M Rattlers and Jackson State Tigers will continue their Southwestern Athletic Conference series under clear evening skies Saturday at Braddy Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. in favorable conditions, with a forecast temperature of 80 degrees.

The Rattlers (15-15) evened the series with a victory Friday afternoon, while the Tigers (12-17) look to rebound at home. Florida A&M has shown resilience, winning three of its last four conference series, including taking two of three from Prairie View last weekend. Jackson State’s recent form has been inconsistent, though it exploded for 20 runs in a road win at Grambling on April 3.

A key player to watch for Florida A&M is reliever Ryan Young. The right-hander has been a reliable bullpen asset, not allowing an earned run in five of his last six appearances. Over that stretch, spanning 9.2 innings, he has surrendered just three hits while striking out seven.

Jackson State will counter with Derek Arrocha, who has experienced mixed results. The highlight was a five-inning, hitless start at Grambling on April 3, but he has also struggled with command at times, including a seven-run outing against Bethune-Cookman.

Offensively, the Rattlers will aim to build on Friday’s performance, while the Tigers hope to channel the potent lineup that produced 20 runs earlier this month. Edwin Lemus Hudson and Pierre Cabral each homered in that offensive outburst for Jackson State.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Florida A&M is projected to win with a final score of 8-4.

The series concludes Sunday afternoon before both teams diverge in their schedules. Florida A&M travels to face North Florida on Tuesday, while Jackson State hosts Alabama State next weekend.