The LeMoyne-Owen baseball team delivered a strong showing in their non conference home series against Oakwood University, earning a split across two competitive contests. The Magicians secured a convincing 9 to 3 victory in the opener before falling just short in a tightly contested 7 to 6 decision in game two. Across both games, LeMoyne-Owen displayed offensive depth, disciplined plate appearances, and flashes of dominant pitching that continue to highlight the team's potential this season.
In game one, LeMoyne-Owen wasted no time setting the tone. The Magicians erupted for six runs in the first inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate and taking advantage of Oakwood's struggles on the mound. The team drew ten walks in the game and consistently applied pressure on the basepaths, finishing with three stolen bases.
Sincere Lozano sparked the offense at the top of the lineup, reaching base three times via walks and scoring a run while also swiping a base. Ryan Meglis followed with two runs scored and two walks, helping to keep innings alive. Kevin Maya contributed efficiently, going 1 for 2 with a double and an RBI while adding a sacrifice fly. Cedric Poellnitz II reached base three times with a hit and two walks, scoring twice and anchoring the middle of the lineup.
The Magicians also received key production from Onterio Seaille and Johnathan Coleman. Seaille drove in two runs on a single and added a sacrifice fly, while Coleman recorded a team high two hits and drove in a run. Michael Rivera chipped in with an RBI double as part of a balanced offensive attack that produced nine runs on six hits.
On the mound, Edilyadiel Gonzalez delivered a strong performance as the starter. He worked 3.2 innings, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out eight batters. Jayden Smith followed in relief and closed the door, combining with Gonzalez for ten total strikeouts while limiting Oakwood to just three hits in the game.
Game two presented a different challenge as LeMoyne-Owen found itself in a back and forth battle. The Magicians scored in five different innings and showcased their resilience, but a six run sixth inning by Oakwood proved to be the difference in a 7 to 6 loss.
Offensively, Narrada Smith led the way with an impressive performance, going 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs. Poellnitz II continued his strong series, collecting two hits including a double and driving in a run. Maya remained consistent, reaching base three times with a hit and two walks while scoring twice and adding a stolen base.
The Magicians were aggressive on the bases in game two, stealing six bases as a team. Seaille contributed two stolen bases, while Seth Terrell and Brandon Jackson each added one. This aggressive approach helped LeMoyne-Owen stay within striking distance throughout the game.
On the pitching side, Zavier Anderson gave the Magicians a solid start, tossing five innings while allowing just one run and striking out seven batters. However, the bullpen faced challenges in the later innings as Oakwood capitalized on timely hitting to seize control.
Across the two game series, several Magicians stood out with strong combined performances. Kevin Maya reached base five times, scored three runs, and recorded two hits including a double while also contributing an RBI. Cedric Poellnitz II went 3 for 6 across both games with a double, one RBI, and two runs scored. Narrada Smith delivered three RBIs in game two and consistently applied pressure in the middle of the lineup. Onterio Seaille added two RBIs, a hit, and multiple stolen bases, showcasing his versatility.
As a team, LeMoyne-Owen demonstrated patience at the plate with fifteen total walks across the two games while also swiping nine bases. These numbers reflect a disciplined and aggressive offensive approach that continues to create scoring opportunities.
The Magicians will look to build on this performance as they prepare for their next series on March 28 and 29. They will remain at home for a conference match-up against Kentucky State University, with games scheduled for March 28 at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., followed by a final game on March 29 at 12:00 p.m. With momentum building and key contributors stepping up, LeMoyne-Owen is poised to make a strong statement in conference play.
