NCCU Continues to Make History in Final Season

DURHAM NC – The NCCU Eagles of the MEAC have had a season that could be taking out of a movie script. In the program’s final season, the 2021 squad has accomplished something that has never been done in their history.

Heading into the final series of the regular season, the Eagles faced off with rival Florida A&M for a chance at the MEAC Southern Divison crown. The Eagles had to at least come up with three victories to clinch the title. It was a playoff atmosphere all series long at the DAP, and the hungry Eagles thrived off the crowd’s energy.

The club did not waste any time, winning the first three games of the series 10-4, 4-1, and 5-0 to celebrate their first conference title. The Eagles have been on their game as of late. The motivation of it being the last season as a unit has worked to their advantage. They have piled up eight wins in the previous ten games, playing all-around great baseball.

In the series versus the Rattlers, the offense has combined for an impressive 19 runs. Tristan Shea, Kokko Figueiredo (two), Cameron Norgren, Patrick Doran, and Nick Fajardo totaled up six long balls to help carry the load. 

The pitching staff also took the pressure off the rest of the team, allowing only five runs. In game one, following his historic no-hitter outing Austin Vernon inked his name in the record books again, pitching seven strong innings allowing five hits, three earned runs, two walks, and a jaw-dropping 13 strikeouts. Ace Ryan Miller carried the dominance into game two to complete his undefeated season going 10-0. He tossed six 1/3 innings giving up six hits, no earned runs, one walk, and struck out seven Rattlers. In the conference clinching contest, Chris Krennrich snagged his first victory of the season, going five shutout innings while surrendering just two hits, two walks, and logged in four strikeouts. Closer Scott Meylan has been dominant, shutting down the Rattlers in the late stages of the game, securing two saves which have brought his season total to 10.

The Eagles are far from done now, shifting their focus on a series sweep to enter the conference tournament playing their best baseball. NCCU’s next goal will be to make history for a second time by appearing in regionals.