The LeMoyne-Owen College baseball team traveled to Huntsville, Alabama on February 10 for a non conference doubleheader against Oakwood University, coming away with a split after a 6 to 3 victory in game one and a 16 to 6 loss in game two. The Magicians displayed flashes of strong execution and offensive production, particularly in the opening game, but were unable to maintain consistency across both contests.
Game one was defined by disciplined pitching, aggressive base running, and timely hitting from LeMoyne-Owen. After being held scoreless through the first four innings, the Magicians broke through in the fifth inning with a three run surge that shifted the momentum of the game. They added three more runs in the seventh inning to secure the 6 to 3 win.
A major factor in the victory was the team's aggressiveness on the base paths. LeMoyne-Owen recorded six stolen bases in the game, consistently putting pressure on the Oakwood defense. OJ Sealie led the way with three stolen bases while scoring two runs, despite not recording a hit. His ability to create offense without swinging the bat proved to be a difference maker.
Kevin Maya turned in one of his best performances of the season at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a run scored. Tahj Williams also contributed with a double, while Ryan Meglis and Johnathan Coleman each added an RBI to help drive in key runs.
On the mound, Zavier Anderson delivered a strong start, pitching five innings and allowing just three runs, two of which were earned, while limiting Oakwood to six hits. The bullpen was equally effective, as Edilyadiel Gonzalez and Nathan Sanchez combined to close out the game. Sanchez earned the save, tossing a scoreless inning to secure the win.
Game two presented a much different challenge, as Oakwood's offense erupted in the middle innings to pull away for a 16 to 6 victory. LeMoyne-Owen jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding two more in the third and fifth innings. However, defensive struggles and control issues on the mound allowed Oakwood to take control of the game.
Despite the loss, the Magicians once again showed offensive capability, recording nine hits and scoring six runs. Ryan Meglis continued his strong day at the plate, going 2 for 4 with a run scored. OJ Sealie added another impressive performance, finishing 2 for 4 with two stolen bases, continuing to be a disruptive force on the bases.
Johnathan Coleman also made a significant impact, scoring three runs while adding a hit and drawing a walk. Ibrahim Marrero contributed with a double and two runs scored, while Seth Terrell recorded a hit, an RBI, and drew two walks. Cedric Poellnitz II chipped in with a hit and an RBI, and Mikey Rivera added another base hit to round out the offensive production.
Across both games, several Magicians delivered strong combined performances. Meglis led the team with three hits and one RBI across the doubleheader, while Sealie scored two runs in game one and added two hits and two stolen bases in game two, giving him five stolen bases and multiple runs scored on the day. Coleman scored a combined four runs and drove in an RBI, consistently finding ways to get on base and impact the game. Marrero added two hits, including a double, and scored two runs, while Maya contributed two hits in game one and added two RBIs in game two through sacrifice flies.
While the offense showed encouraging signs, pitching and defense proved to be the difference in the split. In game two, LeMoyne-Owen allowed sixteen runs, nine of which were earned, while issuing ten walks and hitting multiple batters. The Magicians also committed six errors in the field, allowing Oakwood to capitalize on extended innings and create separation.
Even in defeat, LeMoyne-Owen demonstrated resilience and offensive depth, continuing to compete and generate scoring opportunities throughout both games. The ability to respond offensively in game two after a strong performance in game one is a positive sign as the team continues to develop.
LeMoyne-Owen will now turn its attention to conference play as they prepare for their next series on February 13 and 14. The Magicians will travel to Fairfield, Alabama to take on Miles College in a three game series, with games scheduled for February 13 at 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and the series finale on February 14 at 12:00 p.m. Entering conference play with a 4 and 5 record, the Magicians will look to build momentum and establish themselves early, setting the tone for what they hope will be a strong and competitive run through conference action.
