May 2, 2025 | Luther Williams Field
Higher seeds stumble in winners bracket as Miles and Benedict stay alive
Macon, GA | Day two of the 2025 SIAC Baseball Championship featured four critical games—two win-or-go-home matchups in the morning and two marquee winner’s bracket showdowns in the afternoon and evening. Albany State and Savannah State punched their tickets to the winner’s bracket final, while Benedict and Miles kept their seasons alive with explosive offensive performances.
Game 5: #6 Benedict 14, #7 Tuskegee 9
Benedict erupted for 14 runs on 16 hits and capitalized on 14 walks to eliminate Tuskegee in a high-scoring morning contest.
Benedict was led offensively by Kenyan Conner, who went 3-for-6 with three doubles and three RBIs. Juan Guardado added a 2-for-5 effort with two RBIs and a stolen base, and Justin Murray contributed a hit, two RBIs, and a stolen base while drawing two walks. Jonathan Olmedo was a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBIs and a sacrifice bunt.
On the mound, Shane Williams delivered a solid five-inning start, allowing just one run on three hits to earn the win. The Benedict bullpen struggled in the sixth, allowing Tuskegee to rally for seven runs before settling down to preserve the victory.
Tuskegee, down 14-1 after five innings, rallied in the sixth behind Scott Williams (2-for-3, two RBIs, double) and Nicholas Pratt (2-for-4, RBI). Jabari Johns also added two hits and an RBI. However, starting pitcher Mikelle Mason was knocked out after 4.1 innings, allowing 12 runs (7 earned) on nine hits and 11 walks.
Game 6: #5 Miles 14, #8 Lane 2
Miles used a relentless offensive attack and strong pitching to eliminate Lane in a run-rule shortened victory.
Casey Threat led the Golden Bears with a 3-for-4 outing that included two doubles, two RBIs, and a stolen base. Nick Copen drove in three runs and had a 2-for-4 effort with a two-run single. Brandon Lero blasted a two-run homer and added a double, totaling three RBIs. Blane Bradford and Jordan Pears each had three-hit games with an RBI.
On the mound, Camden Matth was dominant across six innings, striking out seven and allowing two runs on seven hits to earn the win. Walton Thompson struck out three in a scoreless seventh to close it out.
For Lane, Ander Jorge went 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and Sa Gonzalez added a 3-for-3 performance with an RBI and walk. However, starting pitcher Savion Loor was shelled for seven runs on 10 hits over three innings.
Game 7: #4 Albany State 8, #1 Spring Hill 5
A six-run first inning powered Albany State past top-seeded Spring Hill in a major upset to keep the Golden Rams unbeaten.
Albany State sent 12 men to the plate in the opening frame, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Tyler Turner and RBIs from Hill Corley, Matt Delay, and Nathan Saavedra. Saavedra led the Rams at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a hit-by-pitch. Corley finished 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI.
Landon Kiefer earned the win with 7.0 innings of work, scattering nine hits while allowing five runs (three earned) and striking out five. Calvin Baker secured the save with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts.
Spring Hill was led by B. Anderson, who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a two-run double. J. Bell added a solo home run and N. Hunter finished 2-for-5. Starter Bunselmeyer did not escape the first inning, giving up six runs on two hits and two walks. Reliever A. Butts kept Spring Hill in the game through 6.1 innings but allowed two unearned runs.
Game 8: #3 Savannah State 9, #2 Edward Waters 4
Savannah State remained unbeaten behind a balanced offensive attack and a strong start from G. Gonzalez to take down Edward Waters.
Jorge Sandoval led off the game with a solo home run and finished 1-for-5 with two runs. C. Hicks went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, a double, and a stolen base, while B. Bause had a huge night, going 3-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and a stolen base. R. Tuggle added a 2-for-3 effort with an RBI and a double.
Gonzalez pitched 6.1 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out six. B. Thomas followed with 2.2 scoreless innings to close the door.
Edward Waters made it interesting in the seventh with a two-RBI double from Dave Mitchum, who finished 1-for-5 with two RBIs and a stolen base. Chase Morris added a 3-for-4 performance with a double. Starter Alexander Davilagave up six runs (five earned) over 2.1 innings to take the loss.
Saturday, May 3 – Day Three Schedule
Game 9 (8:00 AM): #1 Spring Hill vs. #6 Benedict (Elimination Game)
What’s at stake: The defending champion and top seed Spring Hill faces early elimination after falling to Albany State. Benedict comes in with momentum after eliminating Tuskegee.
Spring Hill Key Players:
- B. Anderson (5-for-8, 5 RBIs in tournament) is the offensive engine.
- N. Hunter has 5 hits and 5 stolen bases in two games.
- Pitching Key: The bullpen has been solid, but the Badgers need better starting pitching after their ace lasted just 0.1 innings vs. Albany State.
Benedict Key Players:
- Kenyan Conner (6-for-12, 3 doubles, 3 RBIs) and Juan Guardado (3 RBIs) are producing at the plate.
- Shane Williams delivered 5 solid innings vs. Tuskegee, but depth may be a concern.
Key to Victory: Spring Hill must control the free passes—Benedict has drawn 19 walks in two games. Benedict needs to jump out early and manage its bullpen in a possible two-game day.
Game 10 (11:00 AM): #2 Edward Waters vs. #5 Miles (Elimination Game)
What’s at stake: Edward Waters, once a title favorite, now finds itself in an elimination game against a dangerous Miles squad that just posted back-to-back double-digit scoring games.
Edward Waters Key Players:
- Tyler Smith (4 RBIs vs. Tuskegee), Misael Ramos (.667, 3 RBIs), and Dannon Smith (3 RBIs) are critical bats.
- Anthony Bayy pitched 7 innings of 1-run ball in the opener.
Miles Key Players:
- Casey Threat (4-for-7, 4 RBIs), Blane Bradford (5-for-8, 2 RBIs), and Brandon Lero (4 RBIs, HR) are red hot.
- Camden Matth was sharp in Game 6 (6 IP, 2 ER), but the Bears may need multiple arms today.
Key to Victory: Edward Waters needs a strong start on the mound to quiet Miles’ surging offense. Miles must keep the bats hot and avoid defensive miscues after a clean Game 6.
Game 11 (2:00 PM): #4 Albany State vs. #3 Savannah State (Winner’s Bracket Final)
What’s at stake: A trip to the championship game. Both teams are 2–0 and feature explosive offenses and tested starting rotations.
Albany State Key Players:
- Nathan Saavedra (6-for-8, 3 RBIs, 2 doubles) and Tyler Turner (4 RBIs) are off to blistering starts.
- Landon Kiefer and Gercal Reyes have combined for 16 innings of 3-run ball.
Savannah State Key Players:
- Jorge Sandoval (2 HR, 5 runs, 3 RBIs) is electric at the top of the order.
- B. Bause (5-for-8, 4 RBIs), C. Hicks, and R. Tuggle add depth.
- Pitching staff is deep: A. Perez and G. Gonzalez have combined to allow just 4 ER in 13 innings.
Key to Victory: Albany State needs to limit Savannah’s extra-base hits and start strong again—SSU has rallied from behind in both games. Savannah must stay disciplined at the plate and wear down Albany’s rotation.
Game 12 (5:00 PM): Winner of Game 9 vs. Winner of Game 10 (Elimination Game)
What’s at stake: A spot in the semifinals and a chance to reach the championship through the elimination bracket.
Key Consideration: This will be the second game of the day for both teams. Pitching depth and bullpen management will be the ultimate decider. Whichever team can control the free passes and capitalize on early scoring chances will have the edge.
2025 SIAC Baseball Tournament — Player Stat Leaders (Through Day Two)
Updated through May 2, 2025 | Luther Williams Field, Macon, GA
With two full days of action complete, the top individual performers have begun to separate themselves in the race for tournament honors. Here are the standout statistical leaders across all teams still active:
Top Hitters (Batting Average, Hits, RBIs)
| Player | Team | AVG | HITS | RBIs | Runs | XBH |
| Nathan Saavedra | Albany State | .667 | 6-for-9 | 3 | 4 | 2 2B |
| Casey Threat | Miles | .571 | 4-for-7 | 4 | 3 | 2 2B |
| Jorge Sandoval | Savannah State | .500 | 3-for-6 | 3 | 5 | 2 HR, 1 2B |
| B. Bause | Savannah State | .455 | 5-for-11 | 4 | 3 | 1 2B |
| Kenyan Conner | Benedict | .500 | 6-for-12 | 3 | 3 | 3 2B |
| Blane Bradford | Miles | .625 | 5-for-8 | 2 | 4 | 1 SB |
| Brandon Lero | Miles | .375 | 3-for-8 | 4 | 3 | HR, 2B |
| Tyler Turner | Albany State | .286 | 2-for-7 | 4 | 4 | 1 SF |
| Isaiah Haygood | Albany State | .500 | 2-for-4 | 2 | 1 | 1 2B |
| Tyler Smith | Edward Waters | .429 | 3-for-7 | 4 | 2 | 2 2B |
Top Pitchers (ERA, IP, SO, W-L)
| Pitcher | Team | W-L | ERA | IP | SO | Notes |
| Gercal Reyes | Albany State | 1–0 | 1.00 | 9.0 | 15 | 2-hit CG vs. Miles |
| Landon Kiefer | Albany State | 1–0 | 3.86 | 7.0 | 5 | Held Spring Hill to 3 ER |
| G. Gonzalez | Savannah State | 1–0 | 4.26 | 6.1 | 6 | 3 ER vs. Edward Waters |
| A. Perez | Savannah State | 1–0 | 0.00 | 2.2 | 1 | Strong middle relief vs. Benedict |
| Anthony Bayy | Edward Waters | 1–0 | 1.29 | 7.0 | 3 | Allowed 1 ER on 8 hits vs. TU |
| Camden Matth | Miles | 1–0 | 3.00 | 6.0 | 7 | Solid vs. Lane |
| Shane Williams | Benedict | 1–0 | 1.80 | 5.0 | 3 | Controlled Tuskegee |
Stolen Base Leaders
| Player | Team | SB |
| N. Hunter | Spring Hill | 5 |
| Blane Bradford | Miles | 2 |
| S. Williams | Spring Hill | 3 |
| R. Cooper | Spring Hill | 2 |
| W. Guillot | Spring Hill | 2 |
| Misael Ramos | Edward Waters | 2 |
| Chase Morris | Edward Waters | 2 |
These top performers will be key to watch during Saturday’s elimination showdowns and the winner’s bracket final as championship contention heats up.
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.