MONTGOMERY, AL. | The Morehouse Maroon Tigers dropped a pair of tightly contested games Thursday at the Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU Final 4 Showcase at Riverwalk Stadium, falling 5-0 to Miles and 2-1 to Tuskegee in two seven-inning contests.
Despite strong efforts on the mound and aggressive baserunning, the Maroon Tigers struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Both games showcased solid pitching and defensive grit but ultimately ended with Morehouse just shy of the win column.
Game 1: Miles 5, Morehouse 0
Morehouse opened the showcase against a tough Miles squad, which rode a dominant performance from right-hander J. Rhynes, who threw a complete game one-hitter. The Maroon Tigers' lone hit came off the bat of TJ Whiteman , but they were unable to mount any sustained offense.
Miles manufactured runs in the second through fifth innings, combining timely hits, stolen bases, and sacrifices to build a 5-0 cushion. Starter Vernon Clay allowed three earned runs in four innings, while reliever Brian Urquhart provided clean innings to close out the game.
Game 2: Tuskegee 2, Morehouse 1
The Maroon Tigers regrouped for their afternoon matchup against archrival Tuskegee and found themselves in another pitcher's duel. Scoreless through five innings, the Golden Tigers broke the deadlock in the top of the sixth with back-to-back RBI doubles from T. Ware and R. Morrow.
Morehouse mounted a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the seventh. Nicholas Pittman doubled and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Myles Tucker, cutting the deficit to one. With the bases loaded and two outs, Robert Robinson grounded out to third, ending the rally just short.
TJ Whiteman reached base twice, Victor Clay walked twice and stole a pair of bases, and Robinson and Darrien Chapman played solid defensive games behind a pitching staff that allowed just five hits and two earned runs.
Home Run Derby Participants
Morehouse will be well represented in Friday's Home Run Derby, which begins at 10:30 AM (EDT).
Sluggers Darrien Chapman, Robert Robinson, and TJ Whiteman will step into the box for the Maroon Tigers in the pregame showcase of power.
Championship Friday – Updated Schedule
Due to severe weather forecasted for Saturday, the MBP HBCU Final 4 has shifted to a round-robin format, with all remaining games moved to Friday, May 9.
📍 Riverwalk Stadium – Friday Schedule (All Times EDT)
🎥 Watch Live: Minority Prospects TV on YouTube
📊 Live Stats: MorehouseAthletics.com
The Maroon Tigers will look to finish strong under the lights Friday night, as they close out the inaugural MBP HBCU Final 4 against a red-hot Miles team in front of a national streaming audience. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.
