Three Historically Black College and University (HBCU) baseball programs eager to get back to playing competitive baseball finally returned with thrilling season opening victories this past weekend. North Carolina Central, North Carolina A&T, and Southern all posted wins to start the 2021 season.
North Carolina Central University closed the weekend sweeping Army to start the season 3-0. The Eagles opened the series with a big win this past Friday in its home opener, a 9-4 game one victory. Next NCCU defeated the Black Knights by the score of 8 to 1 in game two then completed the sweep with a 5-4 nail biting cliff hanger in the series finale. NCCU pitching in both wins was lights out while hot bats drove in 22 runs in the three games.
North Carolina A&T University’s 1-0 loss in the season opener was a pitcher’s duel. Aggie ace Michael Johnson was brilliant taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning and ended up allowing only a walk and a single to the College of Charleston. NCA&T split Sunday’s twin bill with a Justin Rodriguez late-inning two-run home run and reliever Leon Davidson’s two innings of shutdown work helping the Aggies salvage a 4-3 doubleheader.
Southern University went 1-2 in its season-opening weekend splitting a doubleheader against the University of New Orleans Privateers, winning game one 4-3 for the first win of the season. Joseph Battaglia on the mound allowed two runs, three hits, and recorded five strikeouts in five innings for the win. The Jaguars lost the second game in the series finale 6-3.