Dillard University Secures Thrilling Victory Over Southern University with Explosive Fourth Inning

NEW ORLEANS– In a closely contested baseball game at Rickwood Field, Dillard University managed to edge out Southern University with an 8-6 victory. The match, marked by a dynamic fourth inning, was held on February 7, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, drawing a modest attendance of 80 spectators.

Both teams started cautiously, maintaining a scoreless first inning. Southern University took an early lead in the second inning with M. Bowens doubling to right center, allowing K. Edmondson to score. They extended their lead to 2-0 in the third inning with D. Jimenez hitting a single to left field, driving in D. Lantigua.

However, the game's momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth inning as Dillard University erupted with a seven-run spree. The rally was sparked by K'Wality Williams's double to left center, which brought Ian Carr home. Gustavo Torrealba followed with a single, allowing Williams to score and Renard Smith to advance to third. A fielder's choice by Chazz Clark and a subsequent throwing error by Southern's first baseman allowed Smith to score, putting Dillard ahead 3-2. Jaylen Mateo and Jalen Ayers continued the onslaught with a two-RBI single and an RBI single, respectively, expanding Dillard's lead to 6-2. Angel Polanco's fielder's choice enabled  Mateo to score, capping off the explosive inning with a 7-2 advantage.

Southern University attempted a comeback in the fifth inning with D. Lantigua launching a two-run homer to left field, narrowing the deficit to 7-4. Despite R. Smith scoring on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth to give Dillard an 8-4 lead, Southern University continued to fight, adding runs in the sixth and seventh innings. J. Gonzalez's RBI single and K. Edmondson's RBI single brought the score to 8-6, but Dillard's pitching held firm.

Dillard's Dontre Henry pitched six innings, allowing five runs on nine hits, while striking out three, earning the victory. Daryl Tillman Jr. closed out the game, conceding one run in the final inning. Despite Southern's M. Black's solid relief performance, allowing only one unearned run in two innings, the early damage was too much to overcome.

Southern University's defense struggled with five errors, compared to Dillard's flawless fielding performance, which proved crucial in the final outcome. The game concluded in under two hours, showcasing a blend of strategic plays and high-energy moments, particularly in Dillard's fourth-inning recovery.

This victory marked a significant turnaround for Dillard, improving their record to 3-2, while Southern University continued to seek their first win of the season, now sitting at 0-6.

-Bleu Devil-