A Cycle in the Heart of Alabama
On a humid evening in Birmingham, Jackson McKenzie stepped into the historic Rickwood Field and instantly turned a routine matchup into a showcase of sheer brilliance. His four‑hit odyssey — single, double, triple and home run — completed a rare cycle that sparked a 15‑6 victory over Southern University.
The game was interrupted by a nearly two‑hour rain delay, a pause that only heightened the anticipation of the 44 batters who would eventually file to the plate. When play resumed, McKenzie’s timely hits ignited a rally that saw the Rattlers score in five of the nine innings, turning a modest lead into a commanding advantage.
Support came from a cast of standout performers. Matthew Perez drove in four runs with a two‑RBI single and an RBI double, while Jay Campbell added a triple and a double to keep the scoreboard ticking. On the mound, Garrett Workman delivered 5.1 innings of solid work, allowing just two earned runs, and Clark Lincoln sealed the win with 1.2 scoreless frames.
Alex Monile went 3‑for‑3 and Colton Ryals contributed a run‑scoring double, underscoring the depth of Florida A&M’s lineup. The Rattlers’ 19‑hit attack, combined with Southern’s late three‑run surge on four walks, produced a five‑hour, 39‑minute marathon that left the crowd buzzing.
With the win, Florida A&M improved to 29‑22 on the season, a testament to the team’s resilience and the electric atmosphere of Rickwood Field. McKenzie’s cycle will be remembered not just for its rarity, but for the way it galvanized a program eager to make its mark in the national conversation.