Rattlers triumph over EIU Panthers in baseball season opener

The FAMU baseball team kicked off their season with an electrifying victory against the Eastern Illinois Panthers late Friday afternoon. In a match which became a nail-biter towards the end at Moore-Kittles Field, the defending 2023 SWAC Champs, Rattlers secured a 6-5 win marking an impressive start to their 2024 season.  

 
The game unfolded with intensity, as the Rattlers wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking an early 3-0 lead in the third inning with a display of powerful hitting and strategic base running. The Rattlers expanded their lead to 6-0 in the sixth inning.

In a dramatic turn of events in the late innings, the Panthers mounted a late rally scoring their first run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and adding four more points in the ninth, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. With the game hanging in the balance, it was the resolve and resilience of the FAMU team that ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.  

Head Coach Jamey Shouppe expressed his pride in the team's performance, highlighting their dedication and hard work leading up to the season opener. "It's always great to start the season with a win, especially against a tough opponent like Eastern Illinois," said Shouppe. "Our players showed incredible resilience and determination, and I couldn't be prouder of their effort tonight."
 
The Rattlers and the Panthers meet again today at noon for a doubleheader, before closing out the four-game series on Sunday at 1 pm.