FAMU baseball's sweep over MVSU sets the stage for Bethune-Cookman

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Florida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers infielder William Brown defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers' Matthew Perez is at bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Jay Campbell looks onto the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Matthew Perez defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Florida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa, left, defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils runner Ty Burns during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers pitching coach Jeremiah McCollum surveys the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Brett Richardson coaches up players against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Florida A&M Rattlers' William Brown prepares to bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Octavien Moyer surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Octavien Moyer surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers infielder William Brown defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers' Matthew Perez is at bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Jay Campbell looks onto the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Matthew Perez defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa, left, defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils runner Ty Burns during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers pitching coach Jeremiah McCollum surveys the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Brett Richardson coaches up players against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

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FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, Photos

Florida A&M Rattlers' William Brown prepares to bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

FAMU (20-17, 15-3 in SWAC) hosted and beat the Delta Devils (11-25, 7-11 in SWAC) with a 6-5 walkoff win on Friday, April 17. The Rattlers then run-ruled Mississippi Valley 14-4 in seven innings and finished the SWAC series off with a 14-8 triumph on Sunday.

The Rattlers outhit Mississippi Valley 34-24. That included William Brown having two three-run performances on Friday and Sunday.

On the mound, pitchers Tanner Walker, Garrett Workman, and Clark Lincoln earned the Rattlers’ wins over the weekend.

Florida A&M Rattlers' William Brown prepares to bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.

Next, the Rattlers will face the team they’re tied with for first in the SWAC, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. The Rattlers and the Wildcats will meet for a three-game series on FAMU’s Tallahassee campus at Moore-Kittles Field from Friday, April 24, until Sunday, April 26.

It will also be a SWAC Championship rematch, in which Bethune-Cookman prevailed 11-9 last May.

The teams also met earlier this season in Vero Beach during Feb. 21’s Andre Dawson Classic. Bethune-Cookman won again, 6-2.

After massive wins this season over South Florida, the defending national champion LSU, and the top-20-ranked Florida Gators, the Wildcats will be quite the matchup for the Rattlers.

Florida A&M Rattlers senior Amari Brown warms up on the field for an NCAA college softball game.

As for FAMU softball, it also swept Mississippi Valley State this weekend.

The SWAC opponents met for a three-game series, with a doubleheader on Friday, and completed it on Saturday.

The Delta Devilettes were no match, falling to the Rattlers 19-2, 12-1, and 16-1. All those games were five-inning run-rule victories.

The Rattlers (26-17, 17-4 in SWAC) outhit Mississippi Valley (1-35, 0-21 in SWAC) 47-17. Multiple Rattlers had multihit performances, including a four-hit performance by Braxtyn Battle on Saturday. Amari Brown and Madison Jenkins also had three-hit performances against the Delta Devilettes.

Zoryana Hughes, Sariah Espada, and Samantha Smith all earned wins on the mound for the Rattlers.

Florida A&M Rattlers' Zoryana Hughes prepares to pitch to an opponent during an NCAA college softball game.

FAMU has its last regular-season games against Troy on Tuesday, April 21, and Jackson State for the SWAC finale series starting on Friday, April 24, before the postseason starts.

The Rattlers hold on to the top spot in the SWAC East division.

Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.

Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU baseball sweeps Mississippi Valley, eyes Bethune-Cookman next