Trailing 2-0 early, the Rattlers (24-18) clawed back to tie the game in the sixth inning before Townsend’s heroics sealed the win. The freshman’s line drive to left field brought home the decisive run, capping a tense battle that showcased resilience from both sides.
Pitching dominance
Senior Samantha Smith (6-4) earned the win in relief, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings with four hits allowed and two strikeouts. Starter Zoryana Hughes set the tone early, striking out seven batters over 4.2 innings while surrendering two runs.
Offensive standouts
Freshman Ciara Maple led the Rattlers’ offense, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Senior Kiauna Watson added a 2-for-4 performance, while junior Keeleigh Spooner’s sixth-inning walk tied the game at 2-2. Notably, every FAMU starter reached base, combining for 12 hits.
Game highlights
Grambling took a 2-0 lead in the fourth, but Maple’s run in the bottom half cut the deficit.
Spooner’s bases-loaded walk in the sixth knotted the score, setting the stage for extras.
The Tigers’ Audrey Richardson (Fr.) pitched valiantly, allowing three runs over 8.2 innings in the loss.
Next up
The Rattlers face Alabama State on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. EST, aiming to build momentum as the season enters its final stretch.
Stats Note: FAMU pitchers combined for nine strikeouts, while Hughes’ seven Ks marked a season high. Grambling’s Kamryn Broussard (So.) went 2-for-4 with a double in the loss.