Albany State had chances – but loses two of three at Spring Hill

MOBILE, Ala. — Albany State head baseball coach Scot Hemmings was left frustrated Friday night after his team missed out on a series sweep against the SIAC’s top-seeded Spring Hill Badgers.

The Golden Rams opened the series Thursday with an impressive 8-4 win, highlighted by a grand slam from senior Luke Addison. But on Friday, despite strong pitching and solid defense, Albany State left 20 runners on base across two close losses, falling 4-2 and 5-3 in the doubleheader.

“I think we left 20-plus runners on base today, and I’m disappointed we didn’t leave Mobile with a sweep,” Hemmings said as the team returned to Albany Friday night. “I thought we pitched at a very high level and played championship defense. We had some big hits last night with Luke (Addison) hitting a huge grand slam. I thought our decisions were good, and we were locked in.”

“Then, we show up today and didn’t carry the same approach to the plate. We got away from what works,” he continued. “I think if we stay within our system and don’t try to do too much at the plate, we’ve got a great shot to get back to a regional for the first time since 2018.”

In Thursday’s opener, Spring Hill jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning off ASU starter Gercal Reyes. The Golden Rams answered with three runs in the second before Addison’s fourth-inning grand slam gave Albany State the lead for good.

Reyes improved to 6-0 on the season, while Calvin Baker and Gavin McBride combined for a strong relief effort, allowing just one run to close out the win.

In game two on Friday, Albany State got off to a promising start. Hill Corley and Tyler Turner each delivered RBI singles in the top of the first to give the Rams a 2-0 lead, but those would be the only runs of the game for the visitors. Spring Hill responded with four unanswered runs to take the win.

Brady Davis took the loss for the Rams, throwing 4.2 innings and giving up six hits and three earned runs. Tyler Bullock and Quindon Wright finished the game in relief.

In game three, the Badgers jumped ahead 4-0 before Albany State freshman Isaih Haygood launched a three-run homer in the fourth to make it a one-run game. The Rams had opportunities to rally but were twice thwarted by double plays with the bases loaded and one out.

Austin Lee was charged with the loss, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks. William Beasley and Chase Ledger also appeared in relief.

Albany State will now turn its attention to the SIAC Championship Tournament, which begins Thursday at Luther Williams Field in Macon. The Golden Rams are expected to enter as the No. 4 seed behind Spring Hill, Edward Waters, and Savannah State.

“I’m excited to get some tournament baseball,” Hemmings said. “I hope we can click for four days.”