LORMAN – Franklin County product Colton Laird struck out five and went the distance as Alcorn State beat Jackson State 9-8 Saturday in a SWAC baseball showdown in Lorman.

Ole Brook alum Scottie Peavey went 2-for-4 at the plate, ripping two doubles and collecting two stolen bases.

Laird, who fashioned his knuckleball pitch the entire nine innings against JSU, baffled the Tigers for a good part of the game.

“I threw really well today and we are thankful for the win,” said Laird. “It was good victory for our team. My knuckleball did good.”

Alcorn State was coming off a 10-2 defeat at the hands of Mississippi State last week. The Braves, coached by Barrett Ray, are expected to contend for the SWAC title this season.

Both Laird and Peavey are both seniors on the Braves roster.