May 4, 2025 | Luther Williams Field
Savannah State Advances to SIAC Championship with 4-3 Victory Over Spring Hill
MACON, GA | In a tightly contested semifinal battle at the 2025 SIAC Baseball Tournament, Savannah State edged Spring Hill College 4-3 in the Loser’s Bracket Championship, earning a shot at the title against Albany State. With the victory, the Tigers eliminated the tournament’s top-ranked team, forcing Spring Hill—currently ranked No. 10 in the NCAA South Region—to hope their regular-season résumé will be strong enough for an NCAA at-large bid.
Scoring Summary by Inning
- 1st Inning: Savannah State jumped out quickly. K. Spencer ripped a two-out RBI double to left-center to drive in J. Sandoval, who had walked and advanced on a wild pitch.
- 2nd Inning: The Tigers tacked on another run as B. Smith singled, advanced on an error, and later scored on a groundout by R. Robles to make it 2-0.
- 5th Inning: Spencer struck again, launching a solo home run over the left field wall, extending the lead to 3-0.
- 6th Inning: Spring Hill got on the board with a leadoff solo home run by A. Swader, trimming the deficit to 3-1.
- 8th Inning: After a scoreless 7th, Spring Hill tied the game in the bottom of the eighth. Swader singled and later scored on a two-run single by S. Williams.
- 9th Inning: Savannah State regained the lead in the top half, capitalizing on a walk and defensive miscue. C. Hicks singled and advanced to third on an error, then scored on a fielder’s choice from Robles.
- Bottom 9th: B. Smith closed the door with a scoreless ninth, stranding the tying run on second to secure the 4-3 win.
Key Performers
Savannah State (4-1 in tournament):
- K. Spencer (CF): Went 3-for-4 with a home run, double, two RBIs, and a walk. He drove in half of the Tigers’ runs and sparked their early momentum.
- B. Smith (P/2B): Delivered on both sides. He pitched the final two innings, allowing two hits but no runs, and notched the win with two strikeouts. He also added a hit at the plate.
- B. Thomas (SP): Worked 7.0 strong innings, scattering four hits and allowing just one earned run while striking out four.
Spring Hill (3-2 in tournament):
- A. Swader (1B): Provided the Badgers’ offensive spark, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs scored.
- S. Williams (SS): Came through in the clutch, delivering a two-run single in the eighth to tie the game.
- St. Germaine (RP): Pitched 2.0 innings in relief, allowing the go-ahead run in the ninth but limiting further damage.
Looking Ahead
Savannah State advances to face in-state rival Albany State in the championship game. The Tigers will need to win twice to claim the title, while Albany needs just one win to secure the crown.
For Spring Hill, the loss ends a strong postseason run. With a 30-win regular season and a top-10 South Region ranking entering the tournament, the Badgers now wait anxiously for Wednesday’s NCAA Division II Tournament selection announcement, hoping their body of work earns them an at-large berth.
A.D. Drew currently serves as the Director of Athletic Marketing at Morehouse College. Previously Drew has served as an independent consultant in athletic communications, having worked events such as The Celebration Bowl, MEAC-SWAC Challenge, Black College World Series, SWAC Championship Game, multiple SIAC championship events, and Gulf South Conference events, in addition to regular season sports and events at every NCAA and NAIA level. Drew has also completed athletic communications consulting work for institutions on NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA levels. Drew was previously the SIAC contributor to D2Football.com.
Drew does work for the Black College Sports Network, where he has worked as a producer, director, and on-air talent. Drew has provided either play-by-play or color analysis for the Orange-Blossom Classic, the Black College World Series, the GCAC (now HBCUAC) basketball tournament, SIAC Baseball, Softball, and Men’s Volleyball Championships, and regular season games for football, flag football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball. Drew regularly hosts a podcast, the BCSN SportsWrap with Bryan and A.D., most Sundays on the BCSN.
Drew currently is a board member of the HBCU-Pro Sports Media Association. Drew is a member of the College Sports Communicators. In the past, Drew has served as the Director of Administration for the Black College World Series (2022) and as the Director of Athletic Communications at Thomas University.