Photo by Auzzy Byrdsell

By Auzzy Byrdsell, Staff Writer

Yesterday, the Maroon Tigers were triumphant in their 12-6 second consecutive victory against their rivals across the street. Morehouse’s outfield efficiency helped them keep control over all nine innings, leaving the Clark Atlanta Panthers scoreless in six of the nine innings. 

The outfield effort was led by junior Casey Coates, striking out six Panthers over the course of three innings. 

The Maroon Tigers put the game out of reach in the sixth inning scoring four runs, raising the lead 6-2. Panther freshman and pitcher, Jorden Dixon walked 3 batters in the sixth opening the door for the Maroon Tigers to surge. 

Despite leading the entire game, the Morehouse players and fans were frustrated by the calls from the home plate umpire in the last three innings. 

The Panthers’ pitching struggles set them back allowing nine hits, hitting three batters and walking eight batters. 

Morehouse freshman Timothy Whiteman ignited the crowd in the seventh inning slamming a home run across the sideline scoring two runs to extend the lead. Junior David Coleman II slammed a triple into the outfield leading to a run. 

The crowd impacted the Maroon Tigers’ energy as they filled the stands from behind the dugout to behind home plate. There was still tension in the air after the Panthers defeated the Maroon Tigers in January in basketball. 

“It’s the battle of the AUC so we try to take over,” says freshman outfielder Elijah Pickney.

“It means more to us because a lot of us are new on this team; getting that experience in rivalry while winning two games in a row feels really good,” he says. 

Freshmen make up 42% of the current Maroon Tiger roster. Their productivity on the field fuels the upperclassmen leading them. 

As Pickeny caught the last out for the Maroon Tigers, the team stormed the field in celebration. 

While this is only their third game this season, the momentum they have creates confidence for the rest of the season. They now prepare for an anticipated battle against Voorhees University in the Peachtree City Classic. 

Copy Edited by Miles Johnson