Knights Make History at Inaugural Ron Washington Baseball Classic

The Southern University at New Orleans baseball team reached a historic milestone this weekend, posting a 2-1 record against NCAA Division II opponents for the first time in program history at the inaugural Ron Washington Baseball Classic at Wesley Barrow Stadium in New Orleans.

The Knights opened the weekend with an 8-4 victory over Morehouse on Friday before falling 9-4 to undefeated Miles College on Saturday. SUNO bounced back on Sunday with a 4-2 triumph over Lane College to cap the tournament on a winning note.

"To go 2-1 against Division II programs says a lot about where this team is headed," said SUNO Head Coach Olen Parker, Jr. "Our guys competed every pitch, every inning, and they showed they belong on the field with anyone."

Game 1: Knights 8, Morehouse 7 - February 6

SUNO wasted no time asserting itself in the tournament opener, jumping out to a 6-0 lead through two innings before holding off a furious Morehouse rally.

The Knights struck for three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Kyler Shepherd's two-run scoring and Donovan Hill's RBI double to center field. SUNO added three more in the second, with Shepherd delivering an RBI single and scoring on a Hill hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded.

Shepherd was the catalyst throughout, going 2-for-3 with a walk, three runs scored, two RBIs, and two stolen bases. The Knights' leadoff hitter also blasted a solo home run in the sixth inning after Morehouse had clawed back to tie the game 7-7.

Center fielder Kyler Shepherd on the bases against Morehouse College. (Photo: Visions by Dee)

"That home run was huge," Parker said of Shepherd's go-ahead blast. The homer proved to be the difference as closer Mikel Black pitched two scoreless innings to preserve the win.

Morehouse mounted an impressive comeback, scoring five runs in the sixth inning to erase a 6-1 deficit and tie the game. Vernon Clay delivered a two-run double in the frame, and Cam Simmons drove in two with a single to left field. But SUNO's offense answered immediately, and the Knights' pitching staff shut the door the rest of the way.

Cade Menina earned the win despite a rough sixth inning, while Tripp Braswell took the loss for Morehouse, surrendering Shepherd's decisive home run.

Game 2: Miles 9, Knights 4 - February 7

SUNO faced its toughest test of the weekend against an unbeaten Miles College squad that jumped to a 5-0 start to the season. Despite a competitive effort, the Knights couldn't overcome an explosive seventh inning by the Golden Bears.

The game remained tight through six innings, with SUNO battling back twice to tie the score. After Miles took a 2-0 lead in the second, the Knights responded in the third when Braylon Guerin tripled to center field to score Enrique Herazo, Jr., and Shepherd drove in Guerin with a groundout.

Miles regained the lead at 4-2 in the fourth, but SUNO tied it again when Jhemmal Geraldo tripled home Dylan Jimenez, and Avery Spriggs drove in Geraldo with a bunt single. The score remained 4-4 through six innings before Miles broke the game open with four unearned runs in the seventh.

Myles Wessels delivered the decisive blow for Miles, doubling to center field to clear the bases and give the Golden Bears a 9-4 lead. The Knights couldn't recover in their final at-bat.

Geraldo was a bright spot for SUNO, going 3-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. Herazo added two hits, including a double.

"Miles is undefeated for a reason, and that game tested us in every way," Parker said. "We didn't flinch, we didn't back down, and even in a loss, I saw growth from our guys."

Game 3: Knights 4, Lane 2 - February 8

Facing the pressure of bouncing back from a loss, SUNO delivered its most complete performance of the weekend, defeating Lane College behind strong pitching and timely hitting.

The Knights took control early, scoring two runs in the first inning. Herazo and Jimenez delivered consecutive singles before Caden Cantu drove them both home with a single to shortstop that was compounded by a Lane error. The miscue allowed both runners to score and gave SUNO a 2-0 lead.

Lane tied the game 2-2 in the fifth inning, but the Knights responded immediately in the bottom half. Geraldo doubled down the left field line, and after Jimenez was intentionally walked, Cantu delivered again, singling to drive in both runners and putting SUNO ahead 4-2.

From there, the Knights' pitching staff took over. Starter Jason Matthews worked five strong innings, allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out seven. Valentin Jaquez pitched a scoreless sixth, and Black secured his first save of the season with a perfect seventh inning, striking out two.

Jason Matthews on the mound against Lane College. (Photo: Madi Mitchel, SUNO Athletics Intern)

Cantu was the offensive star this game, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and both of SUNO's game-winning runs batted in. Herazo, Jr. (2-for-4), Geraldo (2-for-4), and Jimenez (2-for-2 with a double and a walk) all had multi-hit games.

"What impressed me most was how we responded after that loss," Parker said. "We came out against Lane with focus and urgency, and when the game got tight, we made the plays that mattered."

Strong Start, Standout Performances

The 2-1 weekend marks a significant step forward for the Knights program as they continue to prove they can compete at a higher level. SUNO improved to 2-1 overall following the tournament.

Several Knights posted impressive numbers across the three-game set. Jhemmal Geraldo led all hitters, batting .714 (5-for-7) with a double, a triple, and an RBI. His 1.143 slugging percentage was tops on the team.

Enrique Herazo, Jr. hit .400 (4-for-10) with a double, while Dylan Jimenez batted .375 (3-for-8) with a double. Caden Cantu made the most of limited opportunities, going 2-for-3 (.667) with two RBIs in one appearance.

On the mound, Jason Matthews posted a 1.80 ERA across five innings with seven strikeouts and just three hits allowed. Mikel Black emerged as a reliable closer, earning a win and a save while allowing just one run over three innings of work with four strikeouts.

As a team, SUNO batted .280 for the weekend with a .400 on-base percentage and .427 slugging percentage. The Knights drew 13 walks while striking out 18 times, showing improved plate discipline. The pitching staff posted a 5.14 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 21 innings.

"This weekend was about resilience," Parker said. "We had momentum swings, we faced adversity, and our guys kept answering the bell. That's the identity we're building."

The inaugural Ron Washington Classic provided SUNO with a valuable measuring stick against Division II competition, and the Knights passed the test. 

"I'm extremely proud of this group," Parker said. "They handled adversity the right way, stayed together, and found a way to end the tournament with a win. That says a lot about their character."

For the team's schedule, visit sunoathletics.com.

-SUNOKNIGHTLIFE-

Home Game Tickets & Media

Season tickets will be available through SUNO Athletics at the Emmett Bashful Administration Building cashier's office. Fans can make their purchase in person or by calling (504) 286-5321. Admission is $10 for baseball single games and $15 for doubleheaders.

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About SUNO Athletics

The Southern University at New Orleans Knights Department of Athletics emphasizes competitive excellence, academic achievement and community engagement. For the full 2025–26 schedule, rosters, and ticket information, visit sunoathletics.com and follow @sunoathletics on social media.