Boxscore
The Golden Rams of Albany State University were crowned 2010 SIAC Baseball Champions this afternoon, defeating #2E seeded Benedict College by a score of 5-3. ASU finished 4-0 in the tournament while BC posted a 3-2 record.
In a battle of SIAC Eastern Division foes, Albany State used a potent offensive attach to score five runs runs in the final three innings for the come from behind victory.
After an eventless first four frames and a one hour rain-delay, Benedict College would break the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth inning when Christopher Moye singled, stole second, and scored on an RBI single by Christopher Miller giving the Tigers the 1-0 advantage.
BC would add to the lead in the top of the sixth inning when Brandon Gipson lined a single up the middle with the bases loaded scoring Milton Jefferson and Clay Scott putting the Tigers up 3-0.
It didnt take long for the Golden Rams to respond as ASU received a little help from the BC defense as Corey Reeves scored on an error by Benedict right fielder Ruan Sharp cutting the lead to 3-1.
Albany State would tie the game in the bottom of the 7th inning on an RBI single by Reeves to center field scoring Eddie Mathis who singled leading off the inning. Brandon Marcus would follow with a double down the left field line plating Mathis tieing the game at 3-3.
ASU would score the eventual winning runs in the bottom of the eight inning, as the Golden Rams would put together a two-out ralley to take the 5-3 lead on a Mathis RBI single, who eventually would score in fifth and final run on a passed ball.
ASU senior, Larry Johnson would close the door on the Tigers and seal Albany State's first SIAC Baseball Crown since 2006.
Johnson pitched a complete game six-hitter while striking out 11 and walking only two Benedict hitters.
Reeves led the way at the played for the Golden Rams finishing 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Mathis chipped in with two hits and an RBI.
Benedict was led at the plate by Clay Scott who finished with two hits while Gipson drove in two runs.
Michael Jordan took the loss for Benedict in relief.
As the SIAC's automatic qualifier, Albany State now awaits the announcement of the NCAA South Regional seedings. For more information on the NCAA Regional Tournament please visit www.ncaa.com
2010 SIAC BASEBALL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
William Smalls – Albany State University
Corbin Williams – Albany State University
Tyler Rich – Albany State University
Jefferson Milton – Benedict College
Brandon Gipson – Benedict College
Michael Jordan – Benedict College
Paul Carpenter – Claflin University
Avery McAlpine – Paine College
Patrick Chamberlain – Stillman
Nick Bumstead – Stillman
Reginald Hollins – Tuskegee
Tournament Outstanding Pitcher: Toure Harris – Benedict College
Tournament Most Valuable Player: William Smalls – Albany State University
Tournament Outstanding Coach: Edward Taylor – Albany State University