Macon, Ga. — The Albany State University baseball team wrapped up the 2026 season with a hard-fought 5-8 loss to Benedict College during Day 2 of the SIAC Baseball Championship Tournament at Luther Williams Field.
Although the Golden Rams fell short in the elimination matchup, Albany State capped another successful year with a 31-18 overall record and an impressive 27-6 mark in conference play, reinforcing its standing as one of the SIAC's most consistent programs.
Albany State showed resilience throughout the morning, battling inning by inning while continuing to generate offense against a tough Benedict pitching staff.
The Tigers struck first in the opening inning, but the Golden Rams quickly answered in the second when
Arin Chevers delivered a solo home run to left field. The blast tied the contest at 1-1 and continued Chevers' strong postseason performance at the plate.
Benedict regained momentum in the third inning, but Albany State responded once again. Chevers sparked another scoring opportunity with an infield single that allowed
Jaden Camp to cross the plate, trimming the deficit and keeping the Golden Rams within reach.
In the fourth inning, Albany State continued to pressure offensively.
Tyler Turner lined an RBI single to left field to score
Luke Addison, cutting the margin to 4-3 and maintaining the game's competitive pace.
The Golden Rams remained active offensively throughout the contest, collecting 10 hits and drawing six walks.
Chevers led the way with a two-hit performance that included his home run and RBI.
Emory Stephens added two hits, including a ninth-inning RBI double, while Addison, Turner, Grover, Camp, and
David Kile each contributed hits to the effort.
Albany State continued to fight late into the game.
In the eighth inning, Addison drove in a run with a single up the middle, and Stephens added an RBI double in the ninth as the Golden Rams refused to slow offensively despite the late deficit.
On the mound,
Samuel Crew delivered a strong outing, pitching seven innings while striking out nine batters. Crew limited Benedict to just one earned run across his start, keeping Albany State in contention throughout much of the game.
The pitching staff continued to compete through the final innings, combining for 12 strikeouts against a productive Benedict lineup.
While the championship tournament ended earlier than hoped, Albany State's 2026 campaign featured numerous accomplishments and consistent success throughout the spring.
The Golden Rams compiled 31 victories, dominated conference play with 27 wins, and remained among the SIAC's top contenders all season long. Their postseason appearance reflected the program's continued competitiveness and ability to perform at a high level.
With a veteran core, key offensive contributors, and another winning season added to program history, Albany State closes the year with a strong foundation and momentum moving forward.
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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, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
