Alabama State scored six runs in the first two innings, and the Youngstown State baseball team was held to four hits in the first eight innings in an 11-2 Hornets victory on Tuesday evening at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.

Mike Accardi had a team-high two hits, and Alex Larivee tripled and scored in the ninth for the Penguins. YSU's other run came when David Saluga scored on Shane Willoughby's bases-loaded walk with two outs in the ninth inning.

YSU junior Austin Lujano allowed five runs on six hits in 1.2 innings in his first career start. Robert Switka allowed three runs, two of which were earned, in 3.1 innings of long relief to save the bullpen from becoming depleted. Ryan Smith also allowed three runs – two earned – in 2.3 innings.

The Hornets scored twice on three hits, a walk and two stolen bases in the first, and they went ahead 6-0 following a four-run, four-hit second. Alabama State added two runs in the fifth, two in the seventh and one in the eighth to go up 11-0.

Alabama State's Emmanuel Marrero was 4-for-5 with four RBIs, and leadoff batter Richard Amion was 3-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Hornets starter Mike Estevez struck out the first five Penguins and ended up with six strikeouts while allowing four hits in six shutout innings.

Youngstown State and Alabama State will conclude their brief two-game series on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Eastern.