May 4, 2025 | Luther Williams Field
Albany State Wins 2025 SIAC Baseball Championship in Offensive Showcase
The Albany State Golden Rams capped an undefeated run through the SIAC Baseball Tournament with a 14-12 slugfest victory over Savannah State in Sunday’s championship game. Albany State’s relentless offense overwhelmed the Tigers in a back-and-forth battle, securing the conference title and an automatic berth to the NCAA South Regional. The Golden Rams are projected to enter as the No. 8 seed, with pairings set to be announced Sunday, May 11 at 10 p.m. ET on NCAA.com.
Scoring Summary by Inning
- 1st Inning: Albany State struck first with a run in the bottom of the inning. Savannah State left the bases loaded in the top half.
- 2nd Inning: The Golden Rams added another run to take a 2-0 lead, capitalizing on defensive miscues.
- 3rd Inning: Albany State opened things up with a 3-run frame, highlighted by Luke Addison’s RBI double and a sac fly by Trenton Justice.
- 4th Inning: Savannah State broke through with 2 runs, only to see Albany respond with 2 more, extending their lead to 7-2.
- 5th Inning: Savannah clawed back with 2 runs, closing the gap to 7-4.
- 6th Inning: Both teams exchanged haymakers. The Tigers scored 3 to pull within 7-6, but Albany erupted for 7 runs in the bottom half, capped by Addison’s 3-run homer, making it 14-6.
- 7th Inning: Savannah launched a furious rally, scoring 5 runs behind timely hits from J. Grier and K. Spencer, cutting the lead to 14-11.
- 8th-9th Innings: Savannah added one more in the 8th, but Albany State’s bullpen held on in the 9th to seal the 14-12 win.
Key Performers
Albany State Golden Rams (4-0, Tournament Champions)
- Luke Addison (LF): Exploded at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a double, home run, and 3 RBIs. His sixth-inning homer was the dagger.
- Austin Roberts (3B): Contributed a 2-for-3 day with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and reached base four times.
- Hill Corley (2B): Scored twice and had a hit with two walks; also turned a key double play in the sixth.
- B. Davis (P): Started and earned the win, allowing 11 hits and 12 runs (only 1 earned) over 9 innings with 8 strikeouts. Managed to navigate through five Albany errors.
Savannah State Tigers (4-3, Runner-Up)
- K. Spencer (CF): Continued his stellar tournament with a 3-for-4 day, 3 RBIs, a walk, and two stolen bases.
- J. Grier (LF): Scored 3 runs, drove in 2, and doubled in the 7th to ignite Savannah State’s comeback attempt.
- Mahoney IV (C): Launched a solo homer and finished 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.
- B. Smith (P/2B): Gutted out 3.0 innings in relief, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) while also knocking in two runs at the plate.
BLACK COLLEGE NINES ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Here is a 2025 SIAC Baseball Tournament All-Tournament Team, chosen by Black College Nines, based on performance across the week at Luther Williams Field in Macon, Georgia:
Most Valuable Player
Luke Addison, LF, Albany State
Addison was a force in the middle of the Golden Rams’ lineup, hitting over .500 for the tournament with key extra-base hits in multiple games. He finished the championship game 3-for-5 with a double, home run, and 3 RBIs, including the pivotal sixth-inning homer that helped seal the title.
All-Tournament Team
Pitchers
- B. Davis, Albany State – Complete-game winner in the championship, scattering 11 hits with 8 strikeouts over 9 innings.
- B. Thomas, Savannah State – Threw 7 strong innings in a semifinal win over Spring Hill, keeping the Tigers alive.
- D. Penegar, Edward Waters – Notched a tournament win with 6 IP, 2 ER in an early-round matchup.
Catchers
- Mahoney IV, Savannah State – Slugged a home run in the title game and was a steady presence behind the plate all tournament.
Infielders
- Austin Roberts, 3B, Albany State – Reached base four times in the final and provided timely RBIs throughout the tournament.
- Hill Corley, 2B, Albany State – Sparked rallies and was part of multiple double plays in the middle infield.
- A. Swader, 1B, Spring Hill – Hit a key home run and was the most consistent hitter for the Badgers.
- R. Robles, INF, Savannah State – Provided clutch RBIs and was a run-producer throughout Savannah’s run to the finals.
Outfielders
- K. Spencer, CF, Savannah State – Arguably the tournament’s breakout star, hit over .500 with multiple extra-base hits, stolen bases, and RBIs.
- J. Grier, LF, Savannah State – Reached base in nearly every game, including a 2-RBI game in the championship.
- L. Addison, LF, Albany State – Tournament MVP.
Designated Hitter
- T. Turner, DH, Albany State – Provided steady offensive production and kept innings alive in crucial situations.
Utility
- B. Smith, P/2B, Savannah State – Contributed both on the mound and at the plate, logging innings in multiple games while driving in runs.
Looking Ahead
Albany State clinches the SIAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and awaits its official regional seeding. The title for Albany State is their first since 2018. Savannah State finishes as runner-up (for the second consecutive season) and likely outside the at-large discussion. For Spring Hill—ranked No. 10 in the South Region entering the week—a nerve-wracking wait begins, hoping their regular season and two tournament wins will be enough to secure an at-large berth. Regional selections will be announced on ncaa.com on Sunday, May 11 at 10 PM EDT.
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.