Dillard fights in the fourth-inning, but loses to SUNO 12-2

NEW ORLEANS– Dillard University had a brief but encouraging response at the plate Friday, February 21, manufacturing two runs in the fourth inning, but a rough middle stretch—combined with walks, wild pitches, and one costly defensive miscue—allowed SUNO to break the game open in a 12–2 final at Wesley Barrow Stadium.

After three scoreless frames, Dillard finally broke through in the top of the 4th. Eddie Velazquez sparked the rally and later scored when Noah Riley drove a RBI double.  Riley then came around on Bryson Payne's RBI groundout, showing Dillard can still create runs with situational hitting even when the hit total is modest (Dillard finished with 5 hits).

All three of Dillard's extra-base hits came via doubles – Riley, Matthew LeBlanc, and Ronaldo Rivera—a positive sign that the lineup can produce quality contact even in a tough game.

While the scoreboard damage was done early, Malcolm McKay delivered a steadier finish: 2.1 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, though he did have 2 walks. That kind of cleanup work matters in keeping games from becoming even more lopsided and gives the staff something to build on.

Through four innings, SUNO put up 12 runs total, with the biggest blows coming in the 3rd (4 runs) and 4th (6 runs). Dillard starter Daryl Tillman Jr. allowed 6 runs in 3.0 innings, and the next two pitchers inherited traffic and couldn't stop the momentum.

Dillard pitching issued 6 walks, and the staff was charged with multiple wild pitches (credited to Simon Jr. and McKay), including a sequence in the 4th where SUNO cashed in without needing a string of hits. Against aggressive teams, those extra 90 feet become crooked numbers fast.

A key moment early: SUNO scored a run in the 2nd on an error in center field. On the other side, Dillard also erased potential opportunities with two caught stealings (Dellvyn Williams and Rivera). In a game where offense was hard to come by, losing runners on the bases made the comeback hill even steeper.

Dillard's effort wasn't absent—there was a clear fight in the fourth and some genuine hard contact—but SUNO's ability to capitalize on free bases and mistakes made the game one-sided quickly. If Dillard can tighten run prevention (walks/wild pitches/defense) and keep their baserunning clean, their scoring opportunities won't have to be perfect to stay competitive in the next stretch of games.