Albany State outscores Miles College 33-3 in Saturday doubleheader

ALBANY — Albany State left no doubt Saturday afternoon.

Behind a power surge in the opener and relentless offense in the nightcap, the Golden Rams swept Miles College in dominant fashion at Albany State West, rolling 15-1 and 18-2 in front of a strong home crowd.

With the sweep, Albany State improved to 24-15 overall and 20-6 in SIAC play heading into Sunday’s regular-season finale. First pitch for Game 3 — the final home game of the year — is set for noon.

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Power sets the tone in Game 1

Albany State wasted little time asserting itself in the opener, erupting for five runs in the first inning and never looking back in a 15-1 rout.

The Golden Rams added two more runs in the second and blew the game open with a five-run third inning, building a 12-0 lead before Miles could recover.

The offensive explosion was fueled by the long ball.

Ty Grover delivered a perfect afternoon at the plate, going 5-for-5 with three RBIs and a home run, leading a 14-hit attack. Luke Addison also homered as part of a three-run performance, and Mylon Uribe added a home run of his own as Albany State flexed its power throughout the lineup.

Arin Chevers helped ignite the early surge with a two-run double in the first inning, part of a five-run frame that immediately put Miles on its heels.

On the mound, Colin Loeffler was in control, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing five hits to earn the win before the bullpen closed it out.

Miles managed its only run in the sixth inning, but by then the outcome had long been decided.

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Rams pour it on in Game 2

If the opener showcased Albany State’s power, the nightcap highlighted its depth.

The Golden Rams again jumped out early and then overwhelmed Miles with a pair of big innings, cruising to an 18-2 victory.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning, Albany State broke things open with a five-run third and another five-run fourth to take firm control. A seven-run sixth inning put the finishing touches on the blowout.

Addison stayed hot, going 3-for-4 and scoring four runs, while Arin Chevers drove in four runs, including a key three-run double during the decisive third inning.

David Kile added three RBIs, and Emory Stephens drove in two more as the Golden Rams again finished with 14 hits and drew nine walks.

On the mound, Samuel Crew turned in a strong outing, striking out seven over five innings while allowing just one run to earn the win.

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“All three phases working”

Albany State head coach Scot Hemmings said Saturday’s sweep was a reflection of a complete team performance.

“Today was the day where we had all three phases working,” Hemmings said. “Good starting pitching, great defense and timely hitting. Ty Grover kept his hot streak going and Collin Loeffler and Sam Crew both gave us good solid starts. We played the best defense we played all year and Emory Stephens made some big-time plays today.

“We need to bounce back tomorrow and play well three straight games. I am very pleased with our effort today.”

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One more at home

Saturday’s sweep showcased everything Albany State wants heading into the postseason — power, depth and consistent pitching.

Now, the Golden Rams will look to close out the regular season at home in style.

Game 3 of the series is scheduled for noon Sunday at Albany State West.