PHILADELPHIA, Pa. --- The Norfolk State baseball team was well represented at the HBCU Swingman Classic, taking place at Citizens Bank Park on Friday evening.

The American League team represented by Thomas Ealey, Jaydan Israel, and Yasseel Samboy picked up a 6-1 win over the National League team consisting of Justin Journette and Ethan Blakeney.

"The experience of playing in the HBCU Swingman Classic was unreal," Thomas said . "Being able to be around that much wisdom from the coaches and being able to take in the moment for playing at a high level in a big league balpark was incredible." 

Journette would single on his lone hit of the evening in the bottom of the second inning, finishing the day with a 1-for-2 outing. Ealey would help drive in a run in the top of the seventh inning for the American League on a ground ball single out to left field that would extend the lead to 6-0. Israel would finish his outing 0-2 at the plate, after entering the game in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Samboy entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning, striking out the first batter he faced, while only facing three batters. Blakeney would enter the game in the top of the eighth inning, striking out all three batters faced.

"It was an incredible experience for our five guys to participate in the Swingman Classic," Norfolk State head baseball Coach M.L. Morgan said. "Not only were they among the best HBCU players in the country, but they also each got to learn from MLB Legends. Each of them played well and highlighted the caliber of talent we have in our program."

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