The Albuquerque Baseball Academy’s 2026 team has etched another milestone into the state’s baseball lore, capturing the 2026 New Mexico Qualifier Tournament and locking in a spot at the prestigious Connie Mack World Series.
A decisive final showdown
In the championship game the 2026 squad surged to an 11‑3 win over its 2027 counterparts, marking the program’s second consecutive qualifier championship and underscoring its dominance in New Mexico baseball.
A narrow path to the title
Earlier in the weekend the 2027 squad edged Southwest Snipers 2‑0, advancing to a championship doubleheader that would decide the qualifier’s ultimate representative.
Moments that defined the game
A costly defensive miscue in the fifth inning opened the door for a five‑run outburst by ABA 2026, while starter Gunner Guardiola’s six‑shutout innings set the tone. Maddox Gonzalez’s solo homer and Uriel Castro’s third‑inning run added early momentum, and a dropped pop fly by Dean Ellison allowed two unearned runs to score.
Looking ahead to the World Series
With the qualifier title secured, the Academy’s roster — featuring standouts such as Luke Watkins, Josiah Gutierrez, Chase Rivera and Amasi Griego — will travel to the Connie Mack World Series beginning July 24. The team joins a select group of finalists, including the Snipers Chastain, who fell 4‑3 in a dramatic finish, and the ABA 2025 champions who captured last year’s crown.