HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Texas Southern Tigers erupted for eight runs in the third inning and rode a powerful offensive display to a 12-5 victory over the Alcorn State Braves in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday.

The Tigers improved to 14-12 overall, while the Braves fell to 3-27.

Texas Southern starter Jose Luccioni earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out seven. Alcorn State starter Kayden Sutton took the loss after surrendering 12 runs on 14 hits in 2 2/3 innings.

The game’s most important sequence came in a decisive bottom of the third inning. Already leading 6-5, the Tigers sent 13 men to the plate against Sutton and reliever Caden Wade. The rally featured six hits, including a two-run triple by Anthony Ruiz and RBI singles from Jonathan Trejo, Byron Robinson and Miguel Morales. When the dust settled, Texas Southern had turned a one-run lead into a commanding 12-5 advantage, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Robinson, the designated hitter, was the top star for Texas Southern. He went 2 for 4 with a three-run homer in the first inning that erased an early deficit and a run-scoring single in the third, finishing with four RBIs. His first-inning blast, following an RBI single by Trejo, quickly answered Alcorn State’s early lead and set the tone for the Tigers’ offensive onslaught.

Trejo also had a standout day, going 3 for 4 with a solo home run in the second inning and three RBIs. Ruiz contributed three hits, including a double and a triple, and drove in two runs.

For Alcorn State, left fielder Kanious Davis had a perfect day at the plate, going 3 for 3 with a solo home run in the fifth inning. His replacement, Michael Bonelli, added a double. The Braves’ other significant offense came from pinch-hitter Christian Dunn, who launched a three-run homer in the sixth inning to account for Alcorn State’s final runs.

A bright spot for the Braves was the relief work of Wade, who entered with two outs in the third inning. He silenced the Tigers’ bats, throwing 5 1/3 scoreless innings and allowing no hits while striking out two.

The Tigers’ bullpen closed the door effectively, with Mikelle Mason and John Smith combining for three innings of scoreless relief, allowing just four hits and striking out four.

The two teams were scheduled to meet again immediately for the second game of the doubleheader.