Talladega College baseball commenced HBCUAC conference play on a strong note by sweeping Dillard University. The Tornadoes, 15-5 overall and 9-0 conference, secured victory in all three games of the series, outscoring their opponents 41-18.
In the first game, Talladega triumphed by a score of 15-9, scoring the first six runs of the game in the bottom of the second inning. Notable performances included Jahir Cruz with four runs batted in (RBI), Armando Jackson with three RBIs, and both Miguel Oropeza and Darlin Fernandez each contributing two RBIs. Emilio Duque (W, 3-1) was credited with the win in this game.
In the second game, Talladega jumped out to a three run lead in the bottom of the third inning before Dillard scoring two runs in the top of the fifth inning, narrowing the gap to 3-2. However, Talladega responded robustly, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to secure an 11-4 victory. Samuel Guadamuz (W, 5-1) earned the win, while Helson Fernandez pitched 2.0 innings of relief, striking out three batters.
In the series finale, Talladega claimed a decisive 15-5 win, marked by an offensive surge. Miguel Oropeza hit a home run, and Sebastian Pizarro contributed a triple as well as doubles along with Jeriel Lamboy (2) and Jahir Cruz. Contributions in RBIs came from Joshua Catala, Oropeza, Pizarro (2), Fernando Crisostomo, Jeriel Lamboy (3), Cruz (2), and Jonathan Williams (4). Daniel Jose (W, 2-1) was credited with the win, supported by Jordan New’s exceptional relief pitching of 3.0 innings, during which he did not allow a hit, run, or earned run and recorded six strikeouts.