A four-run eighth inning transformed an 8-5 deficit into a 9-8 victory for Talladega College over Middle Georgia State University in Emerson, GA. Three players from Talladega, Jonathan Williams, Jeriel Lamboy, and Jahir Cruz each contributed two hits to the effort.
The game began with a scoreless first inning, but Middle Georgia State quickly took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first. However, Talladega responded in the second inning, scoring three runs, followed by another run in the third, leveling the game at 4-4.
In the fourth inning, Talladega gained a 5-4 lead when Jahir Cruz hit a single to left field, bringing in Jonathan Williams. The Knights then loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth and managed to score three runs, regaining a 7-5 lead. They added another run in the fifth inning, extending their advantage to 8-5.
The turning point came in the top of the eighth inning. Isaac Guzman led off with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Sebastian Pizarro, pinch-hitting for Ivan Gonzalez, singled to center field, scoring Guzman and narrowing the gap to 8-6. Pizarro then stole second base, Armando Jackson walked, and Jeriel Lamboy reached base on a fielding error by Middle Georgia State, loading the bases. Williams followed with a single to right field, scoring Pizarro and bringing Talladega within one run at 8-7.
Still with the bases loaded, Cruz hit a single past the shortstop to tie the game at 8-8. Victor Rivera then added a bunt single to first base, scoring another run and giving Talladega a 9-8 lead.
Despite having only one out and the bases still loaded, Talladega missed the chance to add more runs, as Darlin Fernandez struck out swinging, and Miguel Oropeza popped up to first base to end the inning.
The drama continued in the bottom of the ninth when the Knights threatened with two men on base and one out but couldn’t convert, resulting in a final score of 9-8 in favor of Talladega.
At the plate, Oropeza went 3-for-5, while Gonzalez was 1-for-3. Pizarro, Jackson, Lamboy, and Williams each had one run batted in, and Cruz finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Both Gonzalez and Jackson contributed doubles during the game.
In relief, Samuel Guadamuz (W, 1-1) pitched two innings, allowing no hits or runs, and striking out a batter in the ninth inning to secure the win.