Eagles Get Hot on The Mound, Shutout Army

DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s baseball program held Army to just three hits as the Eagles picked up an 8-1 win to clinch the weekend series on Saturday, February 20 at the Durham Athletic Park.

Ryan Miller got the start on the mound and turned in five innings of work with just one earned run and four strikeouts, and NCCU’s (2-0) bats gave him all the run support that he needed. Jeremiah Adams drove in a run on an RBI single in the top of the first for Army (0-2), but that would be it for the guests. The Eagles scored two runs in the bottom of the first by taking advantage of defensive miscues by the Black Knights, however, the Eagles didn’t record their first hit until the fourth inning.

The Eagles broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth by batting around and sending 11 batters to the plate to score five runs on four hits to take an 8-1 lead. Luis DeLeon supplied the big hit in the inning with a two-RBI single up the middle during the extended frame for the home team.

NCCU’s relievers didn’t allow a single hit in the final four innings of the game, and 2021 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watchlist member Scott Meylan (Pittsburg, Calif.) shut the door by striking out eight of the final nine batters of the game in an impressive three innings of work. Meylan retired the first five batters he faced before allowing a flyout, and then struck out the side in the ninth to finish the game.

DeLeon drove in a game-high three RBI, and Kobe Phillips had a two-hit day with an RBI double. The Eagles were patient at the plate as Cort Maynard drew three walks, and Nick Fajardo earned two free passes.

The Eagles will go for the weekend sweep on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1:00 p.m. at the Durham Athletic Park, and the game will be broadcast live on the NCCU Sports Network.