The second day of the HBCU Black College World Series saw seasons come to an end and others decisively stamping their tickets to the next round. Here is a recap of Thursday’s action in Montgomery, Alabama.
NCAA Division II – Edward Waters 9, Savannah State 5
Defending HBCU World Series champion Edward Waters kept their season alive with a 9-5 win over Savannah State.
Edward Waters built a 6-0 lead, scoring three runs in both the second and third innings. Savannah State got on the board with two runs in the top of the fifth inning, but Edward Waters responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame to make the score 8-2.
SSU added three more runs in the sixth inning to make the score 8-5 but could only muster a single hit over the next three frames as EWU pitcher Alexander Davila shut the door on the Savannah State offense. Davila threw a complete game, allowing four runs and nine hits, while striking out 10.
Up next for Edward Waters is a meeting with Bluefield State.
NAIA Round 1 – Rust College 9, Wiley College 2
For the second game in a row, the Wiley College bats were kept in check as their season ended with a 9-2 loss over Rust College. Rust put the Wildcats in a 3-0 hole after the first inning and added another run in the third inning to give them a 4-0 advantage.
The Wildcats cut into the lead with two runs in the top of the fourth inning to make it 4-2. However, Rust poured it on, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fifth and added one more in the sixth inning. Rust
first baseman Khalil Robinson had a big game, going 3 for 4 with a triple, 3 RBI, two stolen bases and two runs scored.
The Bearcats play Friday afternoon against Paine College.
NCAA D-II – Albany State 12, Bluefield State 2
After barely getting by Edward Waters 3-2 in the D-II opener, the Golden Rams of Albany State hammered Bluefield State 12-2. The Big Blue struck first when Jordan Valera-Payne hit a two-run homer, putting Blufield up 2-0 in the first inning. Albany State responded, exploding for seven runs in the top of the second to take a 7-2 lead.
The Golden Rams would add three runs in the fourth inning on just one hit, greatly aided by three Bluefield State wild pitches. Albany State plated two more runs in the fifth to end the lead.
After surrendering two hits and the Valera-Payne homer, Albany State pitcher Brady Davis went the distance, allowing no runs over the final six innings.
NAIA – Florida Memorial 12, Paine College 2
Powered by a 7-run second inning, Florida Memorial knocked Paine College 12-2 in the day’s final game. Paine College could plate one run each in the second and fourth innings, but their bats were kept quiet for most of the game.
Lions senior pitcher Ricardo Alvarez de Lugo went the distance, allowing just two runs and eight hits in his eight innings of work.
FMU outfielder Jalen Young reached base in every one of his plate appearances, going 4-4, with a home run and 4 RBI.
Florida Memorial will play the winner of Friday between Rust College and Paine College.
