Albany State crushes Savannah State, advances to SIAC Championship Game

MACON — The Albany State Golden Rams are one win away from capturing the SIAC Baseball Tournament Championship and earning a berth in the NCAA Division II South Regional after pounding out 17 hits in a 23-8 victory over Savannah State Saturday afternoon at Luther Williams Field.

Albany State, the only unbeaten team remaining in the tournament, will play for the title Sunday at 5 p.m. against the winner of the Spring Hill–Savannah State elimination game, which begins at 1 p.m. If the Golden Rams win, they will be crowned champions. If they lose, a winner-take-all rematch will be held Monday at 1 p.m. 

If the Golden Rams can win one more game, they will also earn a trip to the NCAA Division II tournament.

The Golden Rams broke open a close game in the third inning with a seven-run outburst. Shortstop Emory Stephens ripped a three-run double to left, and two batters later, Luke Addison crushed a two-run homer over the center-field fence.

All but one Albany State hitter recorded at least one hit. Tyler Turner led the way with four hits, while Stephens and Xander Little collected three apiece. Stephens, now batting leadoff, drove in seven runs, and Addison added two hits and four RBIs.

On the mound, Gavin McBride worked four strong innings before running into trouble in the fifth. He allowed eight hits and seven runs, though only three were earned. William Beasley entered in relief during the fifth and gave up two hits and one run. Tyler Bullock closed it out, tossing two scoreless innings and allowing just one hit.