Wiley and Dillard survive, Talladega continues dominance at GCAC baseball tourney

Loser’s Bracket

#3 Dillard Bleu Devils 12 def. #4 SUNO Knights 6 | BOX SCORE

Despite a short turnaround, playing in the final game of the previous night, the Dillard Bleu Devils opened the day gutting out a 12-6 win over the SUNO Knights. A balk call in the top of the third seemed to ignite Dillard as they went on a hit streak in the bottom of the inning. They recorded three hits leading to three runs including a two-run RBI by Maurice Thompson. After SUNO got a home run from Damian Lantigua in the fifth for their second run of the game, Dillard matched them at the bottom of the inning with Thompson once again, making his presence felt. The Bleu Devils continued to pour it on in the fifth getting a two-run RBI double from Donovan Shead. A SUNO rally brought the game within one run, but Dillard weathered the storm, getting two RBIs and totaling five runs in the eighth inning to secure the win.

#1 Wiley Wildcats def. #6 Tougaloo Bulldogs | BOX SCORE

The Wiley Wildcats bounced back from their upset loss to Rust, living to fight another day following a 7-4 win over the Tougaloo Bulldogs. Tougaloo got the early advantage, scoring two runs in the first inning on a sac fly and a grounder respectively. That was until Wiley took the lead in the third, scoring three runs with an RBI single by Ryan Ready, putting them over the top. Ready put two more runs on the board for the Wildcats with a two-run RBI single making the score 5-2. Though Tougaloo fought valiantly, scoring runs in the sixth and eighth inning, respectively, they could not regain the lead as Wiley scored two runs of their own, including a home run by Ivan Del Villar. The Bulldogs had a chance in the ninth to put men on second and third respectively, but an unexpected batter’s interference call instead forced an out, returning the lead batter to first base. Wiley put the finishing touches on the game, reeling in a ground ball to left field.

Winner’s Bracket

#2 Talladega Tornadoes 11 def. #5 Rust Bearcats 4 | BOX SCORE

The Talladega Tornadoes have cemented their spot in the GCAC Championship game following an 11-4 win over the Rust Bearcats. Talladegapitcher Samuel Guadamuz started the game well, striking out each of Rust’s first four batters. The Tornadoes took advantage, putting the game’s first run on the board on an RBI single by Nomar Garcias. Rust, however, quickly settled into the game getting on base on five of their next six at-bats. This included four hits leading to two runs to give them a brief lead in the top of the third. Talladega would take the lead back in the bottom of the inning on a two-run homer by Victor Rivera. They added another run on an RBI triple by Isaac Guzman making the score 4-2. Garcias stepped up for the Tornadoes again in the fourth inning hitting a two-run home run to extend the lead. Rust’s comeback attempt was thwarted as their two sixth-inning runs were matched by Talladega before going on to add three more in the seventh to put a bow on this game.

Saturday, April 27, 2024 Championship Schedule

12 p.m. (Elimination Game) #3 Dillard Bleu Devils vs. #1 Wiley Wildcats | Live Stats

3:30 p.m. #5 Rust vs. Winner of #3 Dillard/#1 Wiley | Live Stats