BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Christopher Chavez hit a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to keep Texas Southern's tournament run alive as they defeated Jackson State 8-7 Thursday morning at Rickwood Field.

Texas Southern fell behind early as Jackson State combined to score five runs within the first three innings to lead 5-0. TSU would finally find the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth as Erwin Cabassa drove in a run with the bases loaded. The momentum was brief however as JSU tacked on two runs in the fifth to lead 7-1.

With their season on the line, Texas Southern fought back in the seventh to get within striking distance. TSU loaded the bases with no outs, but JSU recorded a strikeout at the corner of the plate for the first out. Shaun Williams would make Jackson State pay with a base-clearing triple down the left field line for a 7-4 margin. Christopher Chavez would cut the deficit to 7-5 following an RBI groundout to the shortstop. TSU would load the bases once again with two outs but the inning would come to a halt following a strikeout.

In the eighth, Jackson State struck the first two batters out but TSU would bear down and counter as Anthony Ruiz hit a solo homer for a 7-6 lead. In the top of the ninth, the TSU defense came up big as catcher Eljah Rodriguez threw out the runner at second on a steal attempt. JSU would draw a two-out walk but reliever Josh Prieto forced an inning-ending groundout to stay within one run.

With one out in the ninth, pinch hitter Miguel Morales hit a single to right followed by Derek Gipson's single up the middle. With a runner in scoring position, Williams hit a full-count shot to left field to tie the game at 7-all. Jackson State would go into its bullpen following the tie but Chavez's single to center was just enough for Gipson to score from home for the game-winning run.

Prieto pitched three scoreless innings of relief for the win while Chavez, Trejo and Williams all had two hits. Williams led TSU with four RBI while Chavez followed with two.

TSU will play either Southern or Florida A&M tomorrow at 9 a.m.