A.D. Drew | Black College Nines Contributor
Location: Rickwood Field – Birmingham, Ala.
The 2025 SWAC Baseball Tournament opened with a full slate of high-stakes action at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. With two four-team double elimination brackets, each game took on added weight as teams fought to stay in the hunt for Sunday’s championship. Here’s how the first day unfolded.
Day One Recap
Bracket A
Bethune-Cookman 5, Texas Southern 3
Texas Southern opened with a three-run second inning, but Bethune-Cookman chipped away before pulling ahead with runs in the 7th and 8th innings.
Scoring Summary
- Top 2nd (TSU)
- Tyler Legendre led off the frame with a solo homer.
- Elijah Rodriguez later scored on a Kelton Phillips double.
- Phillips then scored on a Bryce Hughes infield RBI single.
- Bottom 2nd (BCU)
- Jesus Vanegas singled and eventually scored on an Irvin Escobar RBI single.
- Bottom 4th (BCU)
- Jose Fernandez tied the game with a solo home run to left.
- Bottom 5th (BCU)
- Daniel Figueroa doubled, advanced to third, and scored on a failed pickoff throw by the pitcher, tying the game 3–3.
- Bottom 7th (BCU)
- Escobar doubled and scored on a Daniel Figueroa RBI single to take a 4–3 lead.
- Bottom 8th (BCU)
- Vanegas singled, Fernandez was hit by a pitch, and Vanegas scored on a sacrifice fly by Sergio Rivera.
Standouts
- BCU: Irvin Escobar (3-for-4, 2B, RBI), Daniel Figueroa (2-for-4, 2 SB, RBI), Jose Fernandez (HR).
- TSU: Kelton Phillips (2-for-4, 2B, RBI), Tyler Legendre (HR).
Pitch Counts
- Edwin Sanchez (BCU): 115 pitches, 6.0 IP
- Carlos Jazmin (BCU): 33 pitches, 3.0 IP (W)
- Calvin McClendon (TSU): 74 pitches, 6.0 IP
- James Malone (TSU): 31 pitches, 2.0 IP
Analysis
- BCU: Pitching kept them in the game until their bats came alive
- TSU: Despite having the highest ERA in the conference, there arms came through. If they continue to pitch well and don’t give the extra out, they ar in a good position to come out of the elimination bracket.
Alabama State 7, Jackson State 6
A grand slam by Kevin Douglas capped a five-run fourth inning, propelling Alabama State past Jackson State in a tightly contested matchup.
Scoring Summary
- Top 3rd (JSU)
- Robert Tate doubled and scored on a Wilbert Perez RBI single.
- Bottom 3rd (ASU)
- Juan Cruz scored on a K. McIntosh RBI single.
- Bottom 4th (ASU)
- Parmentier walked and scored on a K. Agosto RBI single.
- I. Landry (reached on error), K. Agosto, and Juan Cruz all scored on a Kevin Douglas grand slam.
- Bottom 5th (ASU)
- D. Smiley (HBP) scored on a K. Agosto RBI single.
- Top 6th (JSU)
- Joseph Eichelberger doubled and scored on a Pierre Cabral 2-run home run.
- Arjun Huerta scored on a passed ball after reaching on a single.
- Top 8th (JSU)
- Hederick Torres walked and scored on a Ledy Alvarez RBI single.
- Alvarez then scored on a Jordan McCladdie RBI single.
Standouts
- ASU: Kevin Douglas (GS HR, 4 RBI), K. Agosto (3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI), Cruz (2-for-3).
- JSU: Pierre Cabral (HR, 2 RBI), Ledy Alvarez (2-for-4, RBI), Jordan McCladdie (3 hits, RBI).
Pitch Counts
- Jorhan Laboy (ASU): 94 pitches, 6.0 IP (W)
- Eric Elliott (JSU): 107 pitches, 4.0 IP (L)
- Nkosi Didder (JSU): 68 pitches, 4.0 IP
- Will Smith, Trey Power, J. Martinez (ASU): Combined 65 pitches
Analysis
- ASU: Too many mental mistakes which led to physical mistakes.
- JSU: Despite the early deficit, the Tigers kept the pressure on ASU. If they continue to play small ball and take the extra-base, they can rebound in this tournament.
Bracket B
Florida A&M 9, Southern 1
Florida A&M used a six-run seventh to break open the game, riding a strong start from Garrett Workman and a monster game from Broedy Poppell.
Scoring Summary
- Bottom 2nd (FAMU)
- Ben Kim reached third on a fielder’s choice and scored on a Matthew Perez RBI single.
- Bottom 3rd (FAMU)
- William Brown walked and scored on Broedy Poppell’s 2-run homer.
- Justen Crews followed with a single but was erased on a double play.
- Top 7th (SUBR)
- Cardell Thibodeaux walked and advanced on a hit by Taj Bates. He scored on a sacrifice fly from Jaylon Lucky.
- Bottom 7th (FAMU)
- Perez doubled and scored on a Jalen Niles RBI double.
- Niles and Brown both scored on a Poppell 2-RBI triple.
- Poppell scored on a groundout by Jay Campbell.
- Crews and Jordan Brown (walked) both scored on Colton Ryals’ 2-RBI double.
Standouts
- FAMU: Broedy Poppell (HR, 3B, 4 RBI), Matthew Perez (3-for-4, 2B, RBI), Colton Ryals (2B, 2 RBI).
- SUBR: Jaylon Lucky (3B, RBI), Taj Bates (1-for-3), Cardell Thibodeaux (1 R).
Pitch Counts
- Garrett Workman (FAMU): 102 pitches, 5.2 IP (W)
- Nick Luckett (SUBR): 84 pitches, 6.1 IP (L)
- Banks + Huff (SUBR): 51 pitches combined
Analysis
- FAMU: 12 game winning streak. Their confidence is booming. They are hot and will be a tough out.
- SU: Gave up too many extra outs. Will they have enough arms to make it through?
Grambling State 13, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6
The defending champions, Grambling, erupted for 13 runs and 15 hits, highlighted by a 6-run 4th inning. Chenar Brown and Aries Gardner both went deep in a relentless offensive showing.
Scoring Summary
- Top 1st (GSU)
- Nyan Hayes scored on a Cameron Hill double.
- Hill then scored on a Chenar Brown 2-run homer.
- Bottom 1st (UAPB)
- Eli Gries-Smith walked, reached third on an error, and scored on a Brant Voth sac fly.
- Top 2nd (GSU)
- Jacobs-Guishard scored on a Cameron Hill sac fly.
- Bottom 3rd (UAPB)
- Ben VanMaanen singled, stole second, and scored on a Brant Voth RBI single.
- Top 4th (GSU)
- Jacobs-Guishard and Martavius Thomas both scored on a Hill sac fly and Brown RBI single, respectively.
- T. Bridges scored on a Chris Marcellus RBI single.
- Brown and Marcellus then scored on a 3-run homer by Aries Gardner.
- Bottom 6th (UAPB)
- DeLaGarza scored on a Blake Coleman RBI single.
- Top 8th (GSU)
- Hill scored on a Brown RBI single.
- Bottom 8th (UAPB)
- Carlos Rodriguez, Gavin Terry, and Eli Gries-Smith all scored, with RBIs from Gries-Smith (single), Coleman (single), and a sac fly by Voth.
- Top 9th (GSU)
- Shannon Martin and Jacobs-Guishard scored on a Terry Burrell III double.
Standouts
- GSU: Chenar Brown (3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI), Aries Gardner (HR, 3 RBI), K. Jacobs-Guishard (2 hits, 3 R).
- UAPB: Blake Coleman (2 RBI), Eli Gries-Smith (RBI, 2 R), Gavin Terry (2-for-4).
Pitch Counts
- Mason Martinez (GSU): 89 pitches, 5.0 IP (W)
- Payton Allen (GSU): 57 pitches, 4.0 IP (S)
- Kenny Fabian (UAPB): 72 pitches, 3.2 IP (L)
- Nate Monceaux (UAPB): 40 pitches, 2.1 IP
- Steffan Fak + Emerson Lott: 46 pitches combined
Analysis
- UAPB: Despite being the second hottest team entering the tournament, they played like they were happy to be there. Can they put the loss behind them and rebound today?
- GSU: The defending champions came in and made a statement. They were the only lower seed to win on day one. Can their bats carry them?
Day Two Preview
The second day of the SWAC Tournament brings crucial matchups as four teams fight to stay alive in the elimination bracket, while the winners look to secure a spot in Sunday’s championship game. Here’s a breakdown of all four games scheduled for Friday.
Bracket A – Winner’s Bracket
Bethune-Cookman vs. Alabama State
3:00 PM CT
BCU won season series 3-0
Bethune-Cookman, the regular season champions, showcased their resilience in a 5–3 comeback victory over Texas Southern. Alabama State edged Jackson State 7–6, propelled by a five-run fourth inning. Bethune-Cookman and Alabama State each escaped tight battles on Day One. BCU leaned on late offense and solid bullpen work, while Alabama State’s explosive fourth inning (capped by a Kevin Douglas grand slam) gave them just enough to edge Jackson State.
Unavailable Pitchers (50+ pitches):
- BCU: Edwin Sanchez (115 pitches)
- ASU: Jorhan Laboy (94 pitches), Trey Power (estimated 50+), Will Smith (estimated 50+)
Key Players:
- Bethune-Cookman: Andrey Martinez (.373 AVG, 13 HR, 44 RBI), Jesus Vanegas (.319 AVG, 10 HR, 37 RBI)
- Alabama State: Juan Cruz (.419 AVG, 10 HR, 40 RBI), Kameron Douglas (.339 AVG, 9 HR, 37 RBI)
Key Matchup:
Bethune’s Irvin Escobar and Daniel Figueroa vs. ASU’s bullpen depth. Without Laboy and a few relievers, the Hornets must turn to middle-inning arms.
Storyline to Watch:
Both teams aim to capitalize on their momentum. Can Alabama State’s offense stay hot against one of the most balanced pitching staffs in the league? Bethune-Cookman’s deep pitching staff faces an Alabama State lineup that ranks among the top three in the SWAC in batting average, home runs, and on-base percentage.
Bracket A – Elimination Game
Jackson State vs. Texas Southern
9:00 AM CT
JSU won season series 2-1. JSU and TSU were tied 1-1 in conference. JSU won a non-conference matchup.
Both teams are fighting to stay alive after narrow losses on Day One. Both teams dropped heartbreakers Thursday and now face win-or-go-home stakes. Texas Southern took an early lead vs. BCU but managed just three hits after the second inning.
Unavailable Pitchers:
- JSU: Eric Elliott (107 pitches), Nkosi Didder (68 pitches)
- TSU: Calvin McClendon (74 pitches)
Key Players:
- Jackson State: Joseph Eichelberger, Jordan McCladdie
- Texas Southern: Damian Garcia (.390 AVG, 12 HR, 52 RBI), Bryce Hughes (.356 AVG, 35 SB, 39 R)
Key Matchup:
Texas Southern’s Damian Garcia (.358, 14 HR) and Kelton Phillips (.379) need to carry the offense against a deep Jackson State lineup led by Joseph Eichelberger and Jordan McCladdie.
Storyline to Watch:
Texas Southern’s potent offense faces a Jackson State team looking to rebound. Both teams must manage their bullpens carefully, given the short rest and high stakes. Can Texas Southern’s bullpen keep Jackson State’s elite base-stealing unit in check?
Bracket B – Winner’s Bracket
Florida A&M vs. Grambling State
6:00 PM CT
FAMU won series 2-1
FAMU looked dominant in its 9–1 win over Southern, with Broedy Poppell hitting for the cycle. Grambling powered past UAPB with two big innings and 15 hits.
Unavailable Pitchers:
- FAMU: Garrett Workman (102 pitches)
- GSU: Mason Martinez (89 pitches), Payton Allen (57 pitches)
Key Players:
- Florida A&M: Broedy Poppell (.333 AVG, 8 HR, 32 RBI), Justen Crews (.337 AVG, .446 OBP)
- Grambling State: Chenar Brown (3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI in previous game), Aries Gardner (HR, 3 RBI)
Key Matchup:
FAMU’s potent offense (.281 team average) vs. a depleted Grambling pitching staff. Without their top two arms, GSU will need to piece together innings.
Storyline to Watch:
Both teams bring offensive firepower. Florida A&M’s balanced lineup faces a Grambling State team that exploded for 15 hits in their opener. Pitching depth will be tested for both squads. Can Grambling’s explosive bats (Brown, Gardner, Hill) keep pace if this becomes a high-scoring game?
Bracket B – Elimination Game
Southern vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
12:00 PM CT
UAPB won series 3-0
Both teams were routed on Day One. Southern allowed nine runs in a collapse vs. FAMU, while UAPB gave up 13 to Grambling.
Unavailable Pitchers:
- SUBR: Nick Luckett (84 pitches)
- UAPB: Kenny Fabian (72 pitches), Nate Monceaux (40), Emerson Lott (24)
Key Players:
- Southern: Cardell Thibodeaux (.438 AVG, 18 HR), Taj Bates (.366 AVG)
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff: Blake Coleman (2-for-3, 2 RBI in previous game), Eli Gries-Smith (2 R, RBI)
Key Matchup:
Can Southern’s Cardell Thibodeaux (.438, 18 HR) and Taj Bates (.366) jump on a thin UAPB rotation?
Storyline to Watch:
Both teams need strong performances from their offenses to compensate for depleted pitching staffs. The game may hinge on which team can capitalize on scoring opportunities. Which team can recover emotionally—and physically—after a tough opening day loss?
In addition to writing for Black College Nines, A.D. Drew currently serves as the Director of Athletic Marketing at Morehouse College. Drew is also the current media coordinator for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and the Celebration Bowl. Previously Drew has served as an independent consultant in athletic communications, having worked events such as The Celebration Bowl, MEAC-SWAC Challenge, Black College World Series, SWAC Championship Game, multiple SIAC championship events, and Gulf South Conference events, in addition to regular season sports and events at every NCAA and NAIA level. Drew has also completed athletic communications consulting work for institutions on NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels. Drew was previously the SIAC contributor to D2Football.com.
Drew does work for the Black College Sports Network, where he has worked as a producer, director, and on-air talent. Drew has provided either play-by-play or color analysis for the Orange-Blossom Classic, the Black College World Series, the GCAC (now HBCUAC) basketball tournament, SIAC Baseball, Softball, and Men’s Volleyball Championships, and regular season games for football, flag football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball. Drew regularly hosts a podcast, the BCSN SportsWrap with Bryan and A.D., most Sundays at 6PM ET on the BCSN.
Drew also coordinates pressbox operations for Minority Prospects. Drew currently is a board member of the HBCU-Pro Sports Media Association. Drew is a member of the College Sports Communicators. In the past, Drew has served as the Director of Administration for the Black College World Series (2022) and as the Director of Athletic Communications at Thomas University.