CHICAGO, IL - In a historic night on one of baseball's biggest stages, Prairie View A&M University competed in the inaugural Chicago HBCU Baseball Classic at Wrigley Field, falling 10-7 to Alabama A&M University on Saturday evening.
Despite the result, the game marked a milestone moment for both programs and HBCU baseball, as the Panthers and Bulldogs became the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities to take the field at the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs.
Prairie View A&M (9-35, 5-18 SWAC) saw contributions throughout the lineup, with all nine starters reaching base safely. DeShon Middleton led the Panthers offensively, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a walk, and an RBI. Basilio Williams added two RBIs, while John Lawson also drove in a pair.
Oliver Brown (1-4) was charged with the loss after getting the start on the mound.
How It Happened
The Panthers struck early, getting on the board in the first inning as Tyvon Moore crossed the plate to even the score at 1-1. After Alabama A&M regained the lead, Prairie View A&M responded in the second inning when Middleton delivered an RBI triple to tie the game at 2-2.
The Bulldogs created separation with a big stretch, building a 10-2 lead heading into the sixth inning. Prairie View A&M answered with a three-run frame, highlighted by a two-run single from Lawson to cut the deficit to 10-5.
The Panthers continued to chip away late, adding a run in the eighth as Zacarias Salinas scored, and another in the ninth when Moore crossed the plate to make it 10-7. However, Prairie View A&M was unable to complete the comeback.
Game Notes
- Every Panthers starter reached base safely.
- Prairie View A&M's biggest inning came in the sixth (3 runs).
- The Panthers hit .375 (3-for-8) with runners in scoring position.
- Prairie View A&M pitchers struck out five while facing 46 hitters.
- The Panthers drew six walks.
- Middleton led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI.
The Panthers will wrap up the weekend series against Alabama A&M on Sunday afternoon.
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