Abany State sweeps Clark Atlanta

ALBANY — By Saturday afternoon at Albany State West, this much was clear: the Golden Rams aren’t just winning — they’re tightening the screws.

Pitching. Defense. Timely hitting. And, perhaps most telling, a lineup adjustment that’s already paying dividends.

Albany State completed a three-game sweep of SIAC rival Clark Atlanta with a 5-2 win in the finale, capping a weekend that showcased a team beginning to look complete.

“We got great starting pitching out of Reddell and Sam Crew, and then Chase Ledger was lights out in the pen,” Albany State head coach Scot Hemmings said. “We had some timely hitting, and the move to put Luke Addison at leadoff led to some big RBIs. I thought we cleaned up the defense and free passes, which usually results in wins.”

That formula showed up in all three games — and especially when it mattered most.

A lineup tweak that changed everything

Senior third baseman Luke Addison, a Terrell Academy product, slid into the leadoff spot this weekend — and immediately set the tone.

In Game 2, Addison delivered a two-RBI single to jumpstart the offense. In the finale, he did it again, driving in two runs as part of a three-run second inning that flipped an early deficit into control.

Across the series, Addison wasn’t just getting on base — he was driving runs in, igniting rallies from the top of the order.

That’s not typical leadoff production. But then again, this isn’t a typical lineup right now.

The inning that broke it open

Game 2 turned in the fifth inning — and it came with a thunderous, back-to-back message.

First, sophomore Isaiah Haygood, a Valdosta product, crushed a solo home run to get things started.

Then came the move.

With two outs, Hemmings went to his bench and called on junior transfer Aiden Payne, a former Georgia College outfielder. Payne didn’t waste the opportunity — launching a three-run homer to nearly the exact same spot in right field.

Two swings. Four runs. Game changed.

Albany State scored 14 runs in that contest, piling up 11 hits and nine walks while blowing the game open late with a five-run eighth inning.

Haygood finished with four hits and three RBIs, while Payne’s pinch-hit blast was the decisive moment.

Pitching that travels — and wins

If the offense delivered the highlights, the pitching provided the backbone.

Jeremiah Reddell gave Albany State a steady start in Game 2, allowing just two runs in 4.2 innings before turning it over to the bullpen.

From there, Chase Ledger took over — and slammed the door.

Ledger worked 3.1 innings to earn the save, striking out three and stabilizing the middle innings when Clark Atlanta threatened.

In the finale, Sam Crew was just as sharp.

The right-hander went the distance, allowing only two runs (one earned) over seven innings while striking out seven to secure the sweep.

It was exactly the kind of outing Hemmings had been searching for — efficient, composed, and in control.

Finishing what they started

The Golden Rams set the tone early in the series opener, scoring 12 runs behind a relentless approach at the plate, drawing 11 walks and capitalizing on nearly every opportunity.

By the end of the weekend, the numbers told the story: balanced offense, aggressive baserunning, cleaner defense — and pitching that held up under pressure.

More importantly, it looked sustainable.

“I am glad to sweep,” Hemmings said, “but we have a really tough two weeks ahead on the road, and that will determine a lot.”

That’s the next test.

The Golden Rams will host Middle Georgia State at home Tuesday before a weekend trip to Atlanta to face Morehouse. Game time Tuesday in Albany is 4 p.m.