The 2026 SWAC Baseball Tournament returned to Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, for its second day of competition, drawing a crowd eager to see the conference's top historically black colleges and universities battle for a spot in the championship game.
Florida A&M's rain‑delayed explosion
Florida A&M erupted late in a game that stretched past midnight, posting a 15‑6 victory over Southern after a weather pause that tested both teams' endurance. The Rattlers collected 20 hits, turning a tight contest into a decisive win that kept them firmly in contention.
Texas Southern's improbable rally
Texas Southern faced a 7‑1 deficit against Jackson State but refused to fold. The Tigers scored seven unanswered runs over the final four innings, culminating in a walk‑off single that secured an 8‑7 victory and sent Jackson State packing as the tournament's first eliminated team.
Bethune‑Cookman's narrow escape
Bethune‑Cookman built a 7‑1 lead early against Grambling State, only to watch the Tigers mount a late rally that threatened to erase the advantage. The Wildcats survived the comeback, edging out a 7‑6 win that kept their tournament hopes alive.
The double‑elimination format meant that both Jackson State and Grambling State were officially out after their losses, reshaping the bracket and leaving Florida A&M, Texas Southern, and Bethune‑Cookman as the remaining contenders.
Rescheduled clash and tournament outlook
The postponed matchup between Alabama State and Arkansas‑Pine Bluff has been moved to Friday at 10 a.m. EST, giving the two teams a second chance to fight for survival. With the championship game scheduled for Sunday, the remaining squads now jockey for positioning, promising more high‑stakes baseball in the heart of Birmingham.