Bleu Devils Edge Out Rust in 11th Inning

NEW ORLEANS– In a thrilling and closely contested matchup, Dillard University edged out Rust College Bearcats with an 11-10 victory in an 11-inning game held on April 17, 2025. The game, rich in offensive fireworks and strategic plays, kept the audience engaged until the very last moment.

The Rust College Bearcats kicked off the first inning with a strong lead, scoring three runs. Kyrent Cole's bunt single, Shemaar Stapleton's line drive, and a passed ball allowed Rust College to tally early against Dillard. However, Dillard University quickly responded with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first, thanks to impressive hits from Braylon Guerin and Jalen Ayers.

Dillard continued to maintain the pressure, extending their lead in the second and third innings, with Ian Carr and Derrald Moore Jr. contributing key hits. Rust College fought back in the fifth and sixth innings, with Marques Smith hitting a solo home run, and multiple players capitalizing on Dillard's defensive errors to score.

The game remained intensely competitive, with both teams displaying resilience. In the eighth inning, Dillard closed the gap with two runs, taking advantage of a fielding error by Rust's DeMerriun Warren. Rust College pushed the game into extra innings with a ninth-inning score, setting the stage for an exciting finish.

In the 11th inning, Shemaar Stapleton hit a two-run home run for Rust College, giving them a temporary lead. However, Dillard's Ian Carr and Guerin responded in kind, with Carr's single driving in two runs and Guerin's base hit securing the victory.

Dillard's Landin Tircuit was credited with the win, pitching a solid 5.1 innings and allowing only three runs. Despite Rust College's Ryan Harvey suffering the loss, both teams demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the game. Dillard's offense shined, accumulating 16 hits against Rust's 9, ultimately proving the difference in a hard-fought contest.

-Bleu Devils-