The Alabama State Hornets clinched the 2026 SWAC Baseball Championship on Saturday, edging out Florida A&M 8-6 in a game that swung back and forth until the final innings. The victory marks the team's third SWAC Tournament title and guarantees a spot in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.
A Night of Momentum Shifts
Early in the contest, Niguel Jenkins sparked the Hornets' offense with an RBI single that put them ahead 1-0. Florida A&M answered quickly, tying the game with an RBI double from Jackson McKenzie, setting the stage for a seesaw battle.
Alabama State surged to a 5-1 lead by the fourth inning, driven by a series of timely hits and aggressive base running. The momentum shifted again when Florida A&M rallied, scoring four runs over the final three innings to narrow the gap.
The decisive blow came when Trey Callaway launched a three‑run home run, extending the Hornets' lead to 8-2 and forcing Florida A&M into a comeback that fell short. Reliever James Peterson closed out the game, earning the win with a solid final inning.
Miguel Oropeza was named tournament Most Valuable Player after delivering a key RBI single that gave Alabama State a 2-1 lead and consistently influencing the game's flow. His performance underscored the team's depth and resilience.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Tournament
With the championship secured, the Hornets will travel to face Alabama in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. The matchup promises a clash of state rivals, and Coach Breydon Divine is already preparing his squad for the national stage.
The win not only highlights the program's recent rise but also reinforces Alabama State's reputation as a competitive force in collegiate baseball. Fans and alumni alike are eager to see how far the Hornets can advance in the national brackets.