TROY — Andrew Crane threw six shutout innings and combined with three relievers on a five-hitter in Troy's 9-1 win over Appalachian State on Friday.
Crane gave up three hits with no walks and nine strikeouts.
Justin Friend reached base four times, including a leadoff home run in the second, and had two RBIs and three runs scored to help the Trojans (25-20, 11-11 Sun Belt) down the Mountaineers (18-28, 7-15). The second game of the series begins at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Alabama State 8, Alcorn State 3
LORMAN, Miss. — Ray Hernandez homered twice and had five RBIs to power the Hornets (25-23, 16-6 SWAC) past the Braves (11-29, 7-15).