MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Taylor Tibbs doubled home the winning run in the bottom of the seventh and Bluefield State walked off a 5-4 winner against Edward Waters in the opening game of the Black World Series.

They now advance in the winners bracket of this inaugural double-elimination series being played in Montgomery, AL. All games are at Riverwalk Stadium, home of the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was a see-saw game starting in the third inning when the Big Blue jumped on Tigers starter Alexander Davila for three runs. Freshman Ty Sizemore scored two with a single to center and JR McRee followed with another RBI single.

The Tigers got one back in the top of the fourth with a single off Big Blue starter Daniel Rayfield.

The Jacksonville, Florida, club then took the lead in the next inning with a triple from second baseman Marcus Judd, a single from center fielder Damani Thomas, and a Big Blue throwing error.

Bluefield State went into their last at-bats down 4-3. Kevon Moxey hit one to right field for a double, bringing JR McRee to tie it up 4-4. With two outs Taylor Tibbs doubled home Kevon Moxey on a 2-1 pitch for the walk-off winner.

Next Up…

The Big Blue play Xavier University of Louisiana Thursday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Gold Rush are the only Catholic HBCU in the country.