MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Xavier University of Louisiana baseball produced 13 hits — its second-most in a game this season — and defeated Savannah State 7-2 Friday afternoon in the Black College World Series at Riverwalk Stadium.
        XULA, 24-8 for the season, seeded first in the BCWS and 1-1 in this double-elimination event, advanced to another elimination game at approximately 8 p.m. Friday against Florida Memorial, a 10-3 loser to Bluefield State in Friday's second game.
        XULA, an NAIA member, eliminated second-seeded Savannah State (14-7) of NCAA Division II.
        Nigel Mayfield became XULA's first this season to pitch a nine-inning complete game. Mayfield allowed four hits, walked five and struck out seven. The offense gave plenty of support — unlike the Wednesday opener, a 4-1 loss against Bluefield State — and produced 20 baserunners. Co Co Simoneaux had three hits, and Tristan Rodriguez, Blair Frederick, Dillon Cousin and Jonathan Santos had two hits apiece.
        Simoneaux's two-run single on a 3-2 count in the second inning gave XULA a 2-1 lead, and Frederick's double down the right-field line with two out in the third scored courtesy runner Shane Goins and put XULA ahead to stay at 3-2.
        Rodriguez concluded XULA's scoring in the ninth with his team-leading sixth home run of the season.
        Savannah State collected only one hit against Mayfield during the final five innings. XULA's defense turned two double plays to tie a season high.