Talladega College closed out its final conference series in dominant fashion, capturing the HBCUAC West Division Championship while taking all three games from Stillman at Silsby Field and building strong momentum heading into the conference tournament.
The Tornadoes opened the series on April 17 with a commanding 13-1 victory, powered by an explosive third inning that broke the game wide open. Talladega plated 10 runs in the frame, highlighted by clutch hitting throughout the lineup. Victor Rivera drove in three runs, while Manuel Martinez added two RBIs and scored three times. Diego Duque was outstanding both at the plate and on the mound, recording three hits and three RBIs while tossing a complete game, allowing just one unearned run and striking out eight . Eli Payne and Jonathan Williams also contributed multi-RBI performances as Talladega totaled 14 hits in the win.
In game one of the April 18 doubleheader, Talladega continued its offensive surge with a 13-4 win. The Tornadoes struck early, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding four more in the second to seize control. Armando Jackson led the charge with a huge day at the plate, driving in seven runs on two home runs and a double. Victor Rivera added three RBIs, while Joshua Catala Santos scored three runs and recorded three hits, including a triple . On the mound, Hunter Scott earned the win, working six innings and allowing four runs while striking out four.
The series finale saw Talladega secure a 6-2 victory to officially clinch the HBCUAC West Division title and close out conference play on a high note. After an early back-and-forth, the Tornadoes broke through with a three-run fifth inning to take control. Jonathan Williams delivered a key performance with two RBIs, while Eli Payne added an RBI and scored a run. Adrian Epps also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. On the mound, Luis Perdomo picked up the win, going five innings and allowing just one run while striking out four. Dewinel Vazquez Oquendo closed the game with two solid innings in relief .
Across the series, Talladega showcased its depth and offensive firepower, combining for 32 runs and 35 hits over the three games. The Tornadoes consistently produced in key moments, using timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and strong pitching performances to control the series.
With the regular season conference schedule complete and the HBCUAC West Division Championship secured, Talladega now turns its attention to the conference tournament, carrying confidence and momentum as it looks to make a deep postseason run.
