COLUMBIA,  S.C. – Kentucky State jumped out to a big lead, then had to hold off a late Benedict rally to take a 19-16 victory in a SAIC baseball game on Saturday at Tiger Field.
 
Originally scheduled as a doubleheader starting at noon, the game was delayed due to wet field conditions and started at 4 p.m. The game was called due to darkness after eight innings.
 
Kentucky State jumped out to an 11-0 lead after their second inning, and had a 19-5 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh inning.
 
The Tigers erupted for 11 runs in the bottom of the seventh, scoring 11 runs on just three hits. The Thorobreds walked five Benedict batters, hit three batters, and committed two errors. Bradon O'Connor hit a bases-loaded triple to cut the lead to 19-14. Ryan Chesney followed with a single, and Jorge Baez brought home Chesney with a double to right field.
 
Benedict falls to 2-17 overall and 2-10 in the SIAC. Kentucky State improves to 9-12 overall and 3-2 in the SIAC.
 
The Tigers and Thorobreds will meet again on Sunday at the HBCU Classic at SRP Park in North Augusta, S.C., with the first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Tickets are available at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com.