A.D. Drew | Black College Nines Contributor
Location: Rickwood Field – Birmingham, Ala.
The second day of the 2025 SWAC Baseball Tournament delivered high drama, offensive fireworks, and elimination game intensity across both brackets. From Bethune-Cookman’s narrow escape in Bracket A to Florida A&M’s statement victory in Bracket B, Thursday’s contests were a showcase of clutch hitting, resilient pitching, and emerging stars. With championship hopes on the line, teams battled to stay alive or cement their place one step closer to Sunday’s final at Rickwood Field.
Bracket A: Bethune-Cookman Holds Ground; Jackson State Stays Alive
Game 5 – Jackson State 12, Texas Southern 6
Bracket A – Elimination Game
In the elimination game, Jackson State (31-20) outslugged Texas Southern (22-33), 12-6. The Tigers got production throughout their lineup, including home runs from Robert Tate and Wilbert Perez. Erick Gonzalez pitched 6.1 strong innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out eight.
Texas Southern stayed in the game with a five-run eighth, fueled by opportunistic baserunning and three errors, but JSU’s five-run response in the bottom half sealed it.
Scoring Summary:
- 1st (TSU): Phillips scores on a Flores fielder’s choice.
- 1st (JSU): Jordan McCladdie doubled, advanced to third on a groundout, then stole home.
- 2nd (JSU): Hederick Torres doubled; Ledy Alvarez singled to score Torres.
- 3rd (JSU): Robert Tate homered, scoring himself.
- 5th (JSU): Wilbert Perez homered to left field.
- 6th (JSU): With two on, McCladdie doubled to score Alvarez and Torres.
- 7th (JSU): Perez doubled, scored on a Pierre Cabral RBI grounder.
- 8th (JSU): Five runs scored on a mix of hits and errors, including RBI singles by McCladdie and Tate, and a two-run double from Cabral.
- 8th (TSU): J. Flores doubled and scored on a dropped fly ball by the left fielder. Two more runs scored on a single by E. Joubert, and B. Hughes capped the rally with a 2-RBI single scoring Joubert and Diaz.
Pitch Count:
- Jackson State:
- Erick Gonzalez – 6.1 IP, 120 pitches
Highlights:
- Jordan McCladdie stole home in the 1st and added a 2-run double in the 6th.
- Robert Tate and Wilbert Perez homered.
- Texas Southern scored five unearned runs in the 8th, fueled by two errors and a 2-RBI single from B. Hughes.
Game 7 – Bethune-Cookman 9, Alabama State 8
Bracket A – Winner’s Bracket
Bethune-Cookman (35-21) fended off Alabama State (30-28) in a 9-8 slugfest to remain undefeated in Bracket A. The Wildcats erupted for six runs in the first two innings, keyed by a three-run home run by Jorge Rodriguez in the second and an RBI double from Armani Newton in the first. Sergio Rivera and Darryl Lee added RBI doubles to build a 7-0 lead by the third.
Alabama State mounted a comeback with Juan Cruz’s three doubles and Kameron Douglas’s RBI triple. The Hornets struck for four in the seventh, capped by DeMarckus Smiley’s RBI single, but Yoansell Diaz entered in relief and slammed the door with 2.1 scoreless innings.
Scoring Summary:
- BCU 1st: Armani Newton doubled in Jorge Rodriguez.
- BCU 2nd: Sergio Rivera doubled, scored on Daniel Figueroa’s RBI single. Figueroa scored on Darryl Lee’s RBI single, who then scored on Rodriguez’s 3-run homer.
- BCU 3rd: Lee doubled to score Rivera.
- ALS 4th: Juan Cruz singled and scored on Kameron Douglas’s triple; Douglas scored on a groundout by Espaillat.
- ALS 5th: Smiley and Parmentier scored on a 2-RBI double by Juan Cruz.
- ALS 7th: Five straight batters reached to tie it, including a sac fly by Douglas and an RBI single from Smiley.
- BCU 7th: Rivera singled in Escobar and Polledo.
Pitch Count:
- Bethune-Cookman:
- Joel Core – 6.0 IP, 89 pitches
- Jean Carlos Zambrano – 0.2 IP, 25 pitches
- Yoansell Diaz – 2.1 IP, 26 pitches
- Alabama State:
- Will Bartkoski – 1.1 IP, 38 pitches
- Caleb Sanders – 5.1 IP, 77 pitches
- Jafet Martinez – 1.1 IP, 21 pitches
Highlights:
- Jorge Rodriguez hit a 3-run home run in the 2nd for BCU.
- Juan Cruz had three doubles and three RBIs for ASU.
- DeMarckus Smiley added two hits and two RBIs in ASU’s late rally.
Outstanding Performers (Bracket A):
- Bethune-Cookman: Jorge Rodriguez (3-R HR), Sergio Rivera (3-for-4, 2 RBI)
- Alabama State: Juan Cruz (3-for-5, 3 RBI, 3 2B), Kameron Douglas (RBI 3B)
- Jackson State: Wilbert Perez (3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI), Robert Tate (HR, 2 RBI)
- Texas Southern: B. Hughes (2-for-3, 2 RBI), J. Flores (RBI 2B)
Bracket B: Florida A&M Rallies Past Grambling; Southern Wins Elimination Slugfest
Game 6 – Southern 17, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 11
Bracket B – Elimination Game
Southern (25-26) defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff (19-35), 17-11, in a wild contest with 28 total runs and 26 hits. After falling behind 7-0, Southern answered with five in the third, sparked by Taj Bates’ 3-run homer. Cardell Thibodeaux went 4-for-5 with 3 RBI and Kameron Byrd added 4 RBIs including a homer and triple. Genesis Prosper earned the save with 3.0 scoreless innings, striking out seven.
Scoring Summary:
- UAPB 1st: Jesus Riera hit a grand slam scoring Small, Saumell, and Rodriguez after a walk and an error.
- UAPB 2nd: Gavin Terry homered, scoring Collin McLemore.
- SOU 3rd: After RBI singles by Benny Bikar and Cardell Thibodeaux, Taj Bates launched a 3-run homer, scoring White and Thibodeaux.
- SOU 4th: Thibodeaux singled in White, and Bates added an RBI double scoring Thibodeaux.
- SOU 6th: RBI hits from White, Thibodeaux, Bates, and Jalon Mack—fueled by UAPB defensive errors.
- UAPB 7th: Dane Small tripled in two, and later scored on Riera’s sac fly.
- SOU 8th & 9th: RBIs from Byrd (triple), Grace (double), and insurance runs from Thibodeaux and Bates.
Pitch Count:
- Southern:
- Renard Grace – 5.0 IP, 104 pitches
- Jeremiah Newman – 1.0 IP, 32 pitches
- Genesis Prosper – 3.0 IP, 47 pitches
Highlights:
- Jesus Riera hit a grand slam in the 1st for UAPB.
- Taj Bates hit a 3-run homer in the 3rd and added a double and 4 RBIs.
- Cardell Thibodeaux had four hits and three RBIs.
Game 8 – Florida A&M 14, Grambling State 4
Bracket B – Winner’s Bracket
Florida A&M (33-23) outlasted Grambling State (24-28), 14-4, in a contest that turned into a rout late. The Rattlers built an early 2-0 lead behind Jay Campbell’s two-run homer in the first. After Grambling got on the board with a sac fly by Chris Marcellus in the fifth, FAMU exploded for four runs in the bottom half, including RBI hits from Justen Crews, Ethan Miller, and Colton Ryals.
Grambling closed the gap to 6-2 in the seventh, but Florida A&M countered with a five-run frame featuring another RBI hit from Crews and a clutch 2-RBI single by Jordan Brown. Carson Kelly earned the win in relief, throwing 63 pitches across 3.2 innings.
Scoring Summary:
- FAMU 1st: William Brown walked, stole second, and scored on Jay Campbell’s 2-run homer.
- FAMU 5th: Josue Figueroa and Jalen Niles reached; W. Brown, Crews, Miller, and Ryals delivered four straight RBI singles.
- GSU 5th: Trey Bridges and Chenar Brown singled; Chris Marcellus hit a sac fly to score Bridges.
- FAMU 7th: Crews and Jordan Brown added RBI singles, with Brown and Crews later scoring on a throwing error.
- GSU 7th: Brown was hit by pitch and scored on Marcelius’s RBI double.
- FAMU 8th: Another 3-run rally with Ryals homering and Crews adding his third RBI single.
Pitch Count:
- Florida A&M:
- Jesus Campa – 4.1 IP, 81 pitches
- Carson Kelly – 3.2 IP, 63 pitches
- Grambling State:
- Trenton Shaw – 0.1 IP, 31 pitches
- Hampton Phillips – 3.2 IP, 41 pitches
- Ethan Bates – 2.0 IP, 34 pitches
- Derrell Fletcher – 1.0 IP, 34 pitches
- Brett Washington – 0.2 IP, 20 pitches
Highlights:
- Jay Campbell homered in the 1st and went 3-for-5.
- Justen Crews had 3 hits and 3 RBIs.
- Colton Ryals added a home run and three RBIs.
- Chris Marcellus had 3 RBIs for Grambling.
Outstanding Performers (Bracket B):
- Florida A&M: Jay Campbell (HR, 2B, 2 RBI), Justen Crews (3-for-5, 2 RBI), Colton Ryals (3 RBI)
- Grambling State: Chris Marcellus (2-for-4, 3 RBI), Shannon Martin (3-for-3, 2B)
- Southern: Taj Bates (HR, 2B, 4 RBI), Cardell Thibodeaux (4-for-5, 3 RBI), Kameron Byrd (4 RBI, HR)
- UAPB: Jesus Riera (Grand Slam), Gavin Terry (HR, 2 RBI)
Thursday’s Takeaways
Thursday was a long day for those in attendance, with the action not ending until early Friday morning, locally. Each game had high offensive output, with each contest averaging over 20 runs scored, combined. The day began with Jackson State’s 12-6 win over Texas Southern, which lasted 3 hours and 12 minutes. Southern’s 17-11 slugfest victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff followed with a marathon 3 hours and 45 minutes runtime. Bethune-Cookman and Alabama State battled for 3 hours and 31 minutes in their 9-8 thriller, while Florida A&M’s dominant 14-4 performance over Grambling State closed the night in 2 hours and 57 minutes.
As the dust settled on Thursday’s action, Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M emerged as the last undefeated teams standing—each now just one win away from the championship game. Meanwhile, Jackson State, Alabama State, Grambling State, and Southern return to the field today with their seasons on the line. With pitching staffs tightening and offenses heating up, Friday’s matchups promise even more postseason drama as the road to the SWAC title narrows.
Friday, May 23 – SWAC Tournament Preview
With elimination games looming and bracket finals on deck, Friday marks the most pivotal day yet at the 2025 SWAC Baseball Tournament. Four teams could be sent home, and two can punch their ticket to Sunday’s winner-take-all championship. Can either team coming from the elimination bracket force the “if necessary” game(s) on Saturday? Depth, durability, and momentum are critical as surviving squads scramble for innings and production against fresh, rested bracket leaders. Each matchup carries do-or-die urgency—and no shortage of intrigue.
Game 9 – 9:00 AM CDT
Jackson State (31-20) vs. Alabama State (30-28)
Bracket A – Elimination Game
ASU leads season series 3-1 (1-0 in tournament)
Matchup Analysis:
Jackson State is coming off a 12-6 win over Texas Southern, while Alabama State lost a one-run battle to Bethune-Cookman. Jackson State brings a hot offense into this rematch, having put up 12 runs on 13 hits against Texas Southern. Alabama State, despite their loss to Bethune-Cookman, showed resilience with a furious rally in the late innings. These two teams last met on Wednesday, with Alabama State taking a narrow 7-6 win. The winner will advance to face BCU tonight.
Key Bats:
- JSU:
- Pierre Cabral (HR, 2 RBI vs. ASU) brings middle-order power
- Jordan McCladdie (2B, 2 R, 2 RBI vs. TSU) creates havoc at the top of the order
- ASU:
- Juan Cruz (3 2B vs. BCU) has been the most dangerous hitter in the lineup
- Kameron Douglas has two multi-RBI games, including a 4-RBI performance vs. JSU
X-Factors:
- JSU’s defensive consistency — they had 3 errors in the first meeting
- ASU’s bullpen has been shaky when forced to extend early — the loss of Laboy (94 pitches Wednesday) hurts.
Outlook: Slight edge to Jackson State if they limit free passes; ASU’s best arms are unavailable, and JSU’s bats are peaking.
Game 10 – 12:00 PM CDT
Grambling State (24-28) vs. Southern (25-26)
Bracket B – Elimination Game
Season series tied 2-2 (SU won conference series 2-1)
Matchup Analysis:
This will be the first meeting between the in-state rivals in this tournament. Grambling put up 13 runs on 15 hits vs. UAPB, while Southern exploded for 17 in their own elimination win. Both teams are clicking offensively, but face severe limitations on the mound. Grambling is scheduled to take the field, less than 12 hours after the conclusion of yesterday’s loss. Will fatigue be a factor for the Tigers?
Key Bats:
- GSU:
- Chenar Brown (HR, 3 H, 4 RBI) and Aries Gardner (HR, 3 RBI) anchor the heart of the order
- Martavius Thomas and Shannon Martin are consistent table-setters
- Southern:
- Taj Bates (HR, 2B, 4 RBI vs. UAPB) is locked in
- Cardell Thibodeaux (4-for-5) gives SOU a steady threat in any count
X-Factors:
- Grambling’s defense (2 errors vs. UAPB) needs to clean up
- Southern’s aggressive base-running and defensive double plays (3 vs. UAPB) could swing momentum
Outlook: Lean Southern if the starter can give 3+ innings — but if Grambling’s top of the order stays hot, it’s a shootout.
Game 11 – 3:00 PM CDT
Bethune-Cookman (35-21) vs. Winner of JSU/ASU
Bracket A Final
Matchup Analysis:
Bethune-Cookman is the most balanced team in the field, with a mix of power (Rodriguez, Fernandez) and speed (Figueroa, Escobar). Their pitching is well-rested with no one over 70 pitches, a major advantage over either opponent.
Key Bats:
- Jorge Rodriguez – 3-run HR vs. ASU
- Irvin Escobar – 3-for-4 with clutch hits in both games
- Daniel Figueroa – hitting .400+ with 2 SB in tournament
If Opponent is JSU:
BCU won season series 2-1
- JSU will likely be stretched thin after back-to-back games
- Key hitters like Perez and Cabral can’t afford a slow start
If Opponent is ASU:
BCU won season series 4-0 (1-0 in tournament)
- ASU’s bullpen depth and endurance is questionable after three straight games
- How many arms will be available
Outlook: BCU is favored regardless of opponent due to pitching depth and situational hitting. They are poised for a title shot on Sunday.
Game 12 – 6:00 PM CDT
Florida A&M (33-23) vs. Winner of GSU/SOU
Bracket B Final
Matchup Analysis:
FAMU has looked like the most dangerous offense in the tournament, scoring 14 and 9 runs in their first two games. Their bullpen is fresher than anyone in Bracket B, and their lineup has produced at every level.
Key Bats:
- Jay Campbell – HR, 3-for-5 vs. Grambling
- Broedy Poppell – HR, 3B vs. Southern
- Colton Ryals – 5 RBI in tournament
If Opponent is Grambling:
FAMU won season series 3-1 (1-0 in tournament)
- GSU is vulnerable on the mound — few viable arms remain
- FAMU can exploit GSU’s shaky middle relief with early pressure
If Opponent is Southern:
Season series is tied 1-1 (FAMU 1-0 in tournament)
- Southern has more bullpen depth than GSU
- They will need to keep FAMU off the bases and turn double plays to stay close
Outlook: With the Rattlers playing the last game of the night, will playing the last game of the day be a disadvantage due to the potential length of the earlier matchups? FAMU is the bracket favorite, and unless the opponent jumps out early, the Rattlers’ depth and balance should secure a Sunday championship berth.
Conclusion
By the end of Friday, the SWAC Championship field could be set. If the championship is set today, we will be looking at the second All-Florida final in three years. Can anyone from the elimination bracket force an “if necessary” game tomorrow? With stars emerging and pitching resources running thin, the stage is primed for breakout performances and unforgettable finishes as the 2025 SWAC Baseball Tournament barrels toward its conclusion.
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.