TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Interstat) — Colin Brueggemann hit a grand slam in the fourth inning and Kollin Ritchie delivered a solo home run in the 11th as Oklahoma State outlasted Alabama State 8-7 in a playoff game Saturday at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

The Cowboys (38-21) jumped to an early lead behind a strong start from Brennan Phillips, who pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowed no hits but two earned runs and struck out seven. Oklahoma State’s offense unloaded in the top of the fourth, when Brueggemann homered to center field, driving in three teammates to give the Cowboys a 4-0 advantage. Two more runs crossed in the sixth inning on a two-run error by Alabama State’s left fielder, stretching the lead to 6-0.

The Hornets (34-23) began their comeback in the bottom of the sixth. Niguel Jenkins homered to right center, scoring two runs and cutting the deficit to 6-2. Alabama State added a run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Divine to make it 6-3. A three-run outburst in the eighth tied the game. Jenkins doubled, scored on a single by Williams, and then Cale Clark homered to left field, driving in Williams to knot the score at 6-6.

Neither team scored in the ninth, sending the game to extra innings. In the top of the 10th, Oklahoma State loaded the bases with one out after a double by Brueggemann, a walk to Pomeroy and a walk to Wallace. Conover walked with the bases full, forcing in Francisco, who ran for Brueggemann, to give the Cowboys a 7-6 lead. Alabama State answered in the bottom of the 10th. Jenkins singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch and was replaced by pinch runner Malpass. After two strikeouts, Clark was intentionally walked, Jenkins walked and Santana walked with the bases loaded to force in Malpass, tying the game at 7-7.

In the 11th, Ritchie led off with a solo homer to left field, putting Oklahoma State ahead 8-7. In the bottom half, Mario Pesca, who pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief with four strikeouts, retired Alabama State after a single and a fielder’s choice left the tying run at second. Kai Fyke also contributed a strikeout in a third of an inning.

Brueggemann finished 2 for 3 with four RBIs. Ritchie went 1 for 5 with the go-ahead home run. For Alabama State, Jenkins was 3 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs, and Clark was 2 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs.

Oklahoma State managed only five hits compared to Alabama State’s 11. The Cowboys’ pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts. Alabama State’s James Peterson took the loss after allowing four earned runs on three hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Alabama State 7, Oklahoma State 6. Interstat’s ELO system gave Oklahoma State an 85.80 percent probability to win.