Statesmen Steal One From Bulldogs, Drop Series 1-2 on Road

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College baseball team traveled to Pitt Community College for a three-game weekend series, closing out the set with a strong bounce-back performance after a tough opener.

In game one, the Statesmen dropped a 4-12 decision despite early offensive production. RBC scored single runs in the second, fifth, sixth, and eighth innings. Taloa Moefaauo sparked the offense with a RBI double in the second to score Lucas De Cordova, while Donavan Johnson added a RBI double in the fifth. Vincent Howald finished 2-for-4 with a RBI. Starting pitcher Matthew Gentry allowed just one earned run over four innings to keep RBC within reach early, but Pitt broke the game open in the sixth and seventh innings. A three-run sixth shifted momentum before a grand slam in the seventh extended the lead. Five defensive errors proved costly for the Statesmen as the Panthers capitalized on extra opportunities.

In game two, the Statesmen struggled to contain Pitt's offense in a tough loss. The Bulldogs broke through in the second inning, capitalizing on an error and timely hitting to take an early multi-run lead. Pitt continued to apply pressure in the fourth, using a combination of walks, hit batters, and a two-run error to extend the advantage. The decisive frame came in the bottom of the sixth, when Pitt strung together singles, a hit-by-pitch, and a wild pitch to add to its lead and create separation. RBC had limited opportunities offensively, managing scattered baserunners but unable to generate sustained momentum at the plate. Despite solid defensive plays throughout the middle innings, the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Pitt secured the series victory before Richard Bland answered in game three.

In game three, Richard Bland responded with a 5-1victory to close the series on a high note. The Statesmen wasted no time taking control, scoring twice in the first inning as Howald drove in a run on a groundout and Cam Lamb followed with a RBI double. De Cordova extended the lead in the second with a solo home run to right field. After Pitt scored its lone run in the fifth, RBC added insurance in the sixth. Lamb crossed the plate on a wild pitch, and Sam Gupta delivered a RBI single to make it 5-1. On the mound, Hayden Black earned the win with five strong innings, allowing one run without issuing a walk. Charlie Hogan secured the victory with two scoreless innings of relief. Though the Panthers outhit RBC in the finale, the Statesmen were opportunistic early and steady late to earn the road win.

Richard Bland next hosts Louisburg College on Tuesday, February 24^th at Ironbridge Sports Park. First pitch is set for 11am.

For the full schedule and updates throughout the season, visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/schedule or follow @rbc_bsb on social media.