SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — In what marked a historic moment for HBCU baseball in the Chicagoland area, Prairie View A&M delivered an offensive showcase to defeat Alabama A&M, 15-11, on Friday night at Wintrust Field.
With the weekend series serving as a lead-in to the inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic, the Panthers' victory set the tone for a celebration of culture, competition, and Black excellence on the diamond.
Prairie View A&M (9-34, 5-17 SWAC) leaned on timely hitting and aggressive base running to secure the win, powered by standout performances from Zacarias Salinas and Ryland Duson, who each drove in three runs. Duson finished 2-for-4 with two walks, while Salinas added three RBIs. Hunter Ham also turned in a strong outing at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs.
Out of the bullpen, Ty Pankonin (1-0) earned the win, tossing 3.1 innings while allowing just one run on two hits with three strikeouts.
How It Happened
The Panthers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating three runs in the bottom of the first inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Salinas. Alabama A&M responded with a five-run surge to take a 5-3 lead, but Prairie View A&M answered in the fourth with four runs, including an RBI single from Duson to regain control at 7-5.
The Bulldogs trimmed the deficit to 7-6 before the Panthers erupted again in the sixth inning, scoring four runs to extend the lead to 11-6. Ham contributed during the rally as Prairie View capitalized on defensive miscues.
Prairie View A&M put the game out of reach in the eighth inning, adding four more runs, highlighted by a two-run single from Duson to make it 15-6. Alabama A&M mounted a late push with five runs, but the Panthers held on for the 15-11 victory.
Game Notes
- Ham led the Panthers with three hits.
- Prairie View A&M scored its most runs in the eighth inning (4).
- Ethan Walker and Tyvon Moore each recorded two stolen bases.
- The Panthers swiped five bases as a team.
- Prairie View A&M hit .350 (7-for-20) with runners in scoring position.
- Panther pitchers struck out eight while facing 53 hitters.
- Prairie View A&M drew 10 walks at the plate.
- Duson led the offense with three RBIs.
The Panthers and Bulldogs continue the series Saturday evening in Chicago at Wrigley Field before closing out the weekend Sunday afternoon in Schaumburg.
