JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –– The Tuskegee baseball team closed out its weekend road series with a 6-2 loss to Edward Waters on Saturday afternoon at Henry L. Aaron Field at James P. Small Memorial Park.

The defeat capped a three-game SIAC series for the Golden Tigers, who were unable to hold an early lead as Edward Waters used timely hitting and strong pitching to secure the win.

Tuskegee struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of early opportunities at the plate. After a leadoff double by Collin McLain, Rodney Mudd followed with an RBI single to give the Golden Tigers a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Tuskegee added another run on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded, extending the advantage to 2-0 after the top of the first.

Edward Waters responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning, cutting the deficit to 2-1 on an RBI groundout following a pair of hits. The Tigers then took control of the game in the third inning, capitalizing on a Tuskegee error and timely extra-base hitting. A two-run double from Angelo Prieto put Edward Waters ahead 3-2, and the hosts would not relinquish the lead the rest of the afternoon.

The game remained tight through the middle innings as both pitching staffs settled in. Tuskegee threatened in the fourth, putting runners on base, but Edward Waters worked out of the inning to maintain its lead. The Tigers added insurance in the fifth when Prieto delivered again with an RBI single to make it 4-2.

Edward Waters broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring two more runs on a combination of walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a fielder's choice that allowed runs to cross the plate, extending the lead to 6-2. Tuskegee was unable to generate offense late, going scoreless over the final five innings as Edward Waters closed out the contest.

The Golden Tigers finished with 6 hits on the day, led by McLain, who went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Mudd drove in a run and Ryan Morrow added a hit. Tuskegee left seven runners on base and was unable to capitalize on early momentum after the first inning.

On the mound, Aidan Zacarias took the loss, working 6.0 innings while allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 6 hits with 6 strikeouts. Despite a solid outing, defensive miscues and timely hitting by Edward Waters proved costly.

Edward Waters totaled 9 hits, with Prieto leading the way with 2 RBIs and multiple hits. Dannon Smith and Daniel Donaldson-Fountain each contributed key hits in the middle of the order, helping the Tigers build and maintain their lead. Nikko Bates earned the win, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing 2 runs while striking out 7.

Up Next
Tuskegee will look to regroup as it returns to action in a midweek non-conference matchup at West Alabama. First pitch is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m. at Tart Field.
 
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