TUSKEGEE, Ala. ^__ The Tuskegee baseball team opened SIAC rivalry weekend by splitting a doubleheader against Morehouse on Saturday afternoon at Washington Field.
 
The Golden Tigers claimed the opener 6-3 before dropping the nightcap 3-1, setting up a decisive finale in the three-game conference series.
 
Tuskegee 6, Morehouse 3
Tuskegee used timely hitting and a big eighth inning to secure the 6-3 victory in the opener. After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning on a Morehouse wild pitch sequence that allowed a run to score, the Golden Tigers settled in and kept the game within reach.
 
The Tigers broke through late. In the eighth inning, Tuskegee capitalized on aggressive baserunning and clutch extra-base hitting. With runners in motion, a key double to left field brought home two runs to give TU the lead. An additional run crossed during the sequence to stretch the advantage to 6-3.
 
Tuskegee finished with six runs on six hits while taking advantage of four Morehouse errors. The Tigers also applied pressure on the basepaths, drawing walks and advancing runners into scoring position throughout the middle innings.
 
On the mound, Richard Powell IV earned the win after tossing six strong innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out four. The bullpen combination of De'Sean Williams and Lorenzo Bailey closed the door, with Bailey earning the save.
 
Offensively, Tuskegee was led by multiple contributors in the lineup, including key RBI performances in the late innings. Morehouse managed seven hits in the contest but left opportunities stranded as Tuskegee's pitching staff limited damage in crucial moments.
 
Morehouse 3, Tuskegee 1
The nightcap turned into a pitcher's duel, with Morehouse capitalizing on timely swings to secure the 3-1 victory.
 
Tuskegee struck first in the second inning when Neal delivered a run-scoring sequence that plated the game's opening run. However, Morehouse responded in the third after taking advantage of defensive miscues to even the score.
 
The Maroon Tigers pulled ahead in the sixth inning when T. Whiteman delivered a two-run homer to left field, flipping the momentum and giving Morehouse a 3-1 lead.
 
Tuskegee threatened late but was unable to string together enough offense against Morehouse's pitching staff. TU finished with five hits in the contest, while Morehouse recorded three runs on three hits but benefited from key situational execution.
 
Christian Baker took the loss on the mound despite a competitive outing, while Morehouse's starter went the distance to earn the win.
 
Up Next
With the series even at one game apiece, Tuskegee and Morehouse will meet in the rubber match on Saturday at 3 p.m. as both teams look to claim the early edge in SIAC conference play.
 
How to Follow the Golden Tigers 
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Baseball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.   
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