NEW ORLEANS, LA | The Maroon Tigers baseball team began the 2025 campaign in the Big Easy, taking on three NAIA HBCUs in the Ron Wasington Classic. The Maroon Tigers would walk away victories in two of the three contests played at Wesley Barrow Stadium, home of the MLB's New Orleans Youth Academy.
GAME ONE - MOREHOUSE 16, SOUTHERN-NEW ORLEANS 12
In Friday night's opening game, fans were able to see a score that resembles another sport that has its big game in New Orleans next weekend. The Morehouse Maroon Tigers defeated the Southern-New Orleans (SUNO) Knights, 16-12, in an action-packed game. Morehouse displayed an explosive offense, tallying 20 hits, while overcoming defensive struggles that saw them commit three errors.
Raymond Jenkins had a standout performance, going 3-for-6 with a triple and one RBI. Vernon Clay also impressed, with a 4-for-6 showing, including three RBIs and a stolen base. Robert Robinson, the team's catcher, delivered a pivotal performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. Additionally, Elijah Pinckney scored four runs, adding to the offensive output with two hits and two stolen bases.
On the mound, Jalen Goodman picked up the win, pitching a solid 5.1 innings, pitching 3.2 scoreless innings and allowing only three hits, striking out one batter and walking none.
Morehouse outperformed SUNO offensively, collecting 20 hits compared to the Knights' 14. Both teams struggled with errors, as Morehouse committed three while SUNO had three as well. Morehouse had a strong showing on the base paths with seven stolen bases, while SUNO only managed four. The Maroon Tigers left 13 runners on base but were able to capitalize on key moments, scoring 16 runs, including a 4-run surge in the 7th inning.
GAME TWO - MOREHOUSE 10, RUST 4
The Morehouse Maroon Tigers opened the action in the Ron Washington Classic on Saturday, and secured their second win of the season, defeating the Rust Bearcats 10-4 at Wesley Barrow Stadium in New Orleans. As the designated home team, Morehouse capitalized on timely hitting and strong pitching to overcome Rust in a game that featured solid offensive and defensive efforts.
Raymond Jenkins led the offensive charge for the Maroon Tigers, going 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs. Robert Robinson also made a significant contribution, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Elijah Pinckney added a hit and scored a run, while Vernon Clay contributed with a hit and a stolen base. The offensive explosion came at crucial moments, including a five-run surge in the fifth inning that gave Morehouse a commanding lead.
Noah Grayson took the mound for Morehouse, earning the win after pitching five strong innings, allowing just 1 earned run while striking out four batters. The bullpen held firm, with Ahsaan Henson and Quenton Mitchell Jr providing key relief and allowing just three runs in the remaining four innings. Despite issuing several walks, the Maroon Tigers' pitching staff kept Rust from getting back into the game.
Morehouse finished with six hits, but it was their patience at the plate that stood out, as they walked 11 times and took advantage of several Rust errors. The team left eight runners on base but still managed to score 10 runs, thanks in part to timely hitting with runners in scoring position. Defensively, Morehouse committed one error, but it didn't hinder their overall performance.
GAME THREE - DILLARD 11, MOREHOUSE 4
In a tough contest on Sunday, the Morehouse Maroon Tigers were defeated by the Dillard Blue Devils, 11-4, at Wesley Barrow Stadium in New Orleans. Despite some key performances, Morehouse couldn't contain Dillard's offense, which exploded for 5 runs in the 6th inning to secure the win.
Mariano McLean had a standout performance for Morehouse, going 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored. Robert Robinson also contributed with a double and a walk, while Kendyn Fredieu drove in one of the Maroon Tigers' four runs. James Thorpe and Vernon Clay each reached base and showed solid discipline at the plate, though the team struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Jamie Lawrence III started on the mound for Morehouse, and despite working through some challenging innings, he allowed 3 runs in 1.1 innings. Lawrence walked six and struggled with command, but did not allow a hit to the Bleu Devils.
Ian Makle came in for relief in the 6th inning and pitched 2.1 innings, giving up one run on two hits. He struck out four batters and threw 69 pitches, facing 14 batters.Anthony Lott came in to relieve Makle in the 6th inning. Unfortunately, Lott struggled, giving up five earned runs on four hits in just 0.1 innings pitched. He walked 1 and struck out no batters, allowing Dillard to extend its lead with a five-run surge in the 6th inning.
Morehouse collected six hits, including two2 doubles, but had difficulty advancing runners, leaving six on base. The team walked four times but also struck out nine times. Defensively, Morehouse committed two errors, which allowed the Blue Devils additional opportunities. Dillard, meanwhile, capitalized on its nine hits, and its 11 walks played a significant role in the team's offensive success. Dillard also managed six stolen bases to add more pressure on the Maroon Tigers.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Maroon Tigers return to the diamond next Tuesday, as they travel to Rome, GA to face Shorter at 1PM. Morehouse will open their home schedule on Saturday, February 15 against Kentucky State at Gresham Park, with a doubleheader, beginning at 12PM. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.
