HOUSTON (Interstat) — Jose Cherena and two relievers combined for 6 1/3 hitless innings as Alcorn State defeated Texas Southern 10-6 in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday at M.O. Campbell Center.

The Braves, who entered with just three wins this season, built a large early lead. The Tigers rallied for five runs in the third inning, highlighted by Christopher Chavez’s RBI double, but could not complete the comeback. Jonathan Trejo added a solo home run for Texas Southern in the sixth.

Cherena earned the win with 4 1/3 innings of relief, allowing one earned run. Jacob Wingard struck out five over two perfect frames. Keaten Hawk led Alcorn State’s nine-hit attack with two RBIs. Texas Southern starter Joshua Prieto struck out six in 4 1/3 innings but took the loss.