Dillard Edges Out Voorhees University in HBCUAC 2025 Hope Credit Union Baseball Championship

Little Rock, Ark. (April 30,2025) - In a closely contested match at Dickey Stephens Park, Dillard University managed to secure a narrow 4-3 victory over Voorhees University. The battle, marked by strategic plays and crucial errors, saw Dillard improve their record to 26-21, matching Voorhees' conference record of 19-11.

The game remained scoreless through the first two innings until Voorhees took the lead in the third. E. Green was hit by a pitch, allowing Y. Juan to score and put Voorhees on the board. Dillard quickly responded in the bottom of the third with Angel Polanco's single, driving in Braylon Guerin to tie the game.

The turning point came in the seventh inning when Jalen Ayers hit a double to center field, bringing in two runs and giving Dillard a 3-1 lead. An error by the Voorhees shortstop allowed Renard Smith to reach first base, further extending Dillard's advantage to 4-1.

In the eighth inning, Voorhees attempted a comeback with K. Sloan's double that brought in two runs, tightening the score to 4-3. However, Dillard's pitcher Landin Tircuit closed out the game with a save, ensuring Dillard's victory.

Jorge Guerra, who pitched 7.2 innings for Dillard, earned the win despite giving up three runs and seven walks. Voorhees' Do. Johnson took the loss after allowing three runs over two innings.

Despite the loss, Voorhees showed resilience, collecting nine hits against Dillard's six. Yet, errors at critical moments proved costly. The match, attended by an empty stadium due to undisclosed reasons, spanned 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Dillard's strategic baserunning and critical hits, exemplified by Derrald Moore Jr.'s two stolen bases and Ayers' two-RBI double, were pivotal in their victory. Meanwhile, Voorhees will look to tighten their defense in future games to capitalize on their offensive efforts.

-Bleu Devils-