Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- Irvin Escobar contributed three hits and drove in a run Wednesday morning in helping top-seeded Bethune-Cookman erase an early 3-0 deficit to win the opening game of the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Baseball Tournament courtesy a 5-3 decision over No. 8 seed Texas Southern at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
Texas Southern (22-31) struck first with a three-run second inning, highlighted by Tyler Legendre's solo home run down the left field line – his seventh of the season. Kelton Phillips added an RBI double at the top of the order the second time around for the Tigers, before he later came around to score on Bryce Hughes' infield single to give the Tigers a seemingly comfortable 3-0 advantage.
 
Bethune-Cookman (34-21) immediately responded in the bottom half of the second when All-SWAC second baseman Jesus Vanegas singled and eventually scored on catcher Irvin Escobar's base hit through the left side to trim the deficit to 3-1.
 
Once again, the Wildcats chipped away at the deficit in the fourth inning when designated hitter Jose Fernandez blasted a solo home run to left field – giving him two round-trippers on the season, making it 3-2. The Maroon and Gold then tied the game in the fifth when speedster Daniel Figueroa doubled before working his way to third on Darryl Lee's groundout.

He would then execute a perfect steal of home following a throw to first from Tigers pitcher Clavin McClendon as he tried to catch Andrey Martinez leaning at first after the third baseman was intentionally walked a play earlier.
 
The Cats took their first lead of the day in the home-half of the seventh when Escobar doubled to right-center and scored on a Figueroa RBI single through the left side past the glove of a diving Jaden Flores at third base. They added an insurance run in the eighth when Vanegas singled and later scored on Sergio Rivera's sacrifice fly to left field, producing the final 5-3 score line.
 
The Wildcats' pitching staff performed admirably after weathering the early storm. All-SWAC starter Edwin Sanchez recovered from the rough second inning to complete six solid frames, allowing just five hits while striking out six batters. Carlos Jazmin was equally impressive in a relief effort out of the bullpen, delivering three scoreless innings to earn the win and improve his record to 2-1 on the campaign. The right-hander allowed just one hit while striking out one batter.
 
For Texas Southern, McClendon took the loss (3-4) in allowing four runs (three earned) over six innings while striking out six. James Malone pitched the final two innings, surrendering one run on four hits.
 
The Tigers' offense, which started promisingly, was held to just one hit over the final four innings. Phillips led the way with a 2-for-4 performance including an RBI double, while Legendre's home run provided the other offensive highlight.
 
Bethune-Cookman's offense was highlighted by Escobar's 3-for-4 day at the dish, adding his eighth double of the season, respectively. Vanegas turned in a 2-for-4 outing at the plate with a pair of runs scored. Also recording a multi-hot day was Figueroa finishing 2-for-4 with a run scored and one RBI.
 
The Wildcats advance in the winner's bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face No. 3 seed Alabama State on Thursday at 3 p.m. CST.

About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
 
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.

Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
 
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.