Macon, GA – The Albany State Golden Rams are headed back to the SIAC Baseball Championship after overpowering Savannah State 23-8 in a high-octane semifinal clash at the 2025 SIAC Baseball Tournament in Macon. With the win, the Golden Rams advance to the title game for the first time since 2022, when they previously faced Spring Hill College.

Albany State's offense erupted for 23 runs on 17 hits, fueled by relentless pressure at the plate and key contributions from across the lineup. The Rams recorded crooked numbers in five different innings and capitalized on several Savannah State miscues to dominate from start to finish.

The Golden Rams jumped on the board in the first inning as Emory Stephens crossed home on a passed ball, setting the tone for a productive day. Albany State widened the gap in the second with two more runs, including a sacrifice fly by Stephens and a bunt RBI from Austin Roberts.

The game blew wide open in the third when Albany State exploded for seven runs. Nate Saavedra's fielder's choice plated one, followed by a bases-clearing double by Stephens that drove in three. Roberts then added an RBI infield single, and Luke Addison capped the rally with a towering two-run homer to center field, giving the Rams a commanding 10-1 lead.

Unfazed by Savannah State's rally, the Golden Rams responded with authority. Albany State plated five more in the sixth inning and four in the seventh, closing the door emphatically. Key highlights included RBI doubles from Hill Corley, Matt Delay, and Tyler Turner, as well as another clutch two-RBI single from the red-hot Stephens. 
Stephens was sensational at the plate, finishing with six RBIs and three runs scored. Addison added four RBIs, including a home run and a double, while Roberts and Delay each contributed multiple RBIs in the dominant win.

Starter Andrew McBride (W, 1-0) tossed four innings, allowing eight hits and seven runs (three earned) while striking out two. Relievers William Beasley and Tyler Bullock combined to hold the Tigers to just one run over the final three innings, with Bullock delivering two shutout innings to seal the win.

Up Next
With the victory, the Golden Rams secure their place in the 2025 SIAC Baseball Championship Game, scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at 5:00 PM EST in Macon, GA. Albany State will face the winner of Spring Hill vs. Savannah State, a rematch opportunity that could see the Rams square off against the same opponent from their last title appearance. Fans can watch the championship game live at https://siacnetwork.tv and follow Albany State Athletics on social media for updates.
 
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football. All teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.