Two college teammates were opponents on Friday night as they represented the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on a national stage.
Starting pitcher Kenney Fabian and catcher Vinny Saumell played in the third annual HBCU Swingman Classic at Truist Park in Atlanta, which opened MLB’s All-Star festivities. Fabian played for the National League team, which wore white uniforms and played as the home team. Saumell played on the American League team in light blue uniforms. The NL came from behind to win the game 7-4.
Both Golden Lions had to wait until the sixth inning to participate in the showcase of HBCU baseball stars. Fabian got the call to pitch the top of the sixth with his NL team trailing 3-1. He didn’t allow an earned run, but several defensive miscues allowed a run to score on his watch. After allowing a leadoff single, Fabian induced a double play-worthy ground ball from Jackson State hitter Joseph Eichelberger. NL shortstop Robert Tate Jr., also from Jackson State, got the lead runner at second but overshot the throw to first base. Eichelberger stole second, and the throw from home was off target and flew into center field. NL center fielder Kelton Phillips of Texas Southern tried to throw Eichelberger out at third base, but the throw went into the dugout, allowing the Tiger to score.
Fabian bounced back by inducing a pop-up before striking out the next hitter to end the inning. He finished his outing having pitched one inning and allowing one hit with one strikeout and an unearned run.
Saumell entered the game as a defensive substitute in the bottom of the sixth inning. He played the rest of the game but didn’t get to hit until the final at-bat of the night, during which he grounded out to a short end to the game. The NL opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning when Alabama State hitter Kameron Douglas hit a solo home run to center field.