Albany State sends Spring Hill to loser’s bracket with 8-5 victory

MACON — After years of postseason frustration at the hands of Spring Hill, Albany State finally flipped the script. The Golden Rams jumped on the Badgers early and held on for an 8-5 victory Friday in the SIAC Baseball Championship tournament, sending the tournament’s top seed into the loser’s bracket.

Albany State came out swinging, taking advantage of shaky pitching in the first inning to score six runs. Spring Hill starter Korey Bunselmeyer faced just eight batters before being pulled.

Emory Stephens and Austin Roberts drew back-to-back walks to start the rally. Luke Addison moved them over with a sacrifice bunt, and Trenten Justice was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Hill Corley followed with an RBI single to right, scoring Stephens. Matt Delay was then hit by a pitch, forcing in another run. Tyler Turner ripped a single to left, driving in two more and chasing Bunselmeyer from the game.

Arlon Butts took over for Spring Hill and stopped the bleeding, but not before Albany State added two more runs. Nate Saavedra drove in one with a single to right, and Roberts was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in another.

Although Spring Hill outhit Albany State 11-7, the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

Saavedra led the Rams at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs.

Landon Kiefer earned the win on the mound, throwing seven innings and allowing five runs on nine hits and one walk. He struck out five. Calvin Baker closed the game, pitching two scoreless innings while giving up two hits and striking out three.

The Golden Rams advance to face another tournament rival, Savannah State, at 3 p.m. Saturday. The Tigers advanced with a 14-11 win over Edward Waters.

In loser’s bracket action, Benedict College eliminated Tuskegee 14-9, and Miles College knocked out Lane College with a 14-2 victory.

Saturday’s schedule at Luther Williams Field includes:

• Benedict vs. Spring Hill at 9 a.m.
• Miles College vs. Edward Waters at 12 p.m.
• Albany State vs. Savannah State at 3 p.m.
• The winners of the 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. games will face off at 6 p.m. in an elimination game.