The Citadel emerged from the SoCon tournament with a decisive 3-1 win over Samford, clinching their ninth conference championship and guaranteeing an automatic invitation to the 2026 NCAA Baseball Championship. The triumph underscores the Bulldogs' consistency over the past week, during which they compiled 11 hits and 77 knocks across five contests, just shy of the tournament record set by UNC Greensboro in 2022.
A Pitching Masterclass
At the heart of the victory was ace Will Holmes, who delivered seven strong innings, allowing only one run on two singles while striking out ten batters. His performance anchored a pitching staff that limited Samford to a solitary run after the Bulldogs had taken an early lead.
Early Offense Sets the Tone
The Bulldogs struck first, capitalizing on RBI singles from Christian Stratis and Zach Hunt to build a quick advantage. Their aggressive approach at the plate established momentum that would prove crucial in the later innings.
Late Rally Extends the Lead
Samford answered with a run in the sixth inning, but The Citadel responded immediately with back-to-back doubles in the eighth, pushing the lead back to two runs and forcing the opposition into a defensive scramble.
Outstanding Player
Michael Gibson, named Tournament Most Outstanding Player, closed the game by pitching the ninth inning and securing the win. His contributions extended beyond the mound, as he finished the tournament with 14 hits, just two shy of the record set by Kennedy Jones in 2022.
The Bulldogs' offensive output was bolstered by Jayden Williams, who led the team with three hits, while Stratis and Hunt each added multiple hits to keep the scoreboard ticking. Overall, the team's 11-hit effort reflected a balanced attack that complemented the dominant pitching performance.
Looking Ahead
With the championship secured, The Citadel now awaits the NCAA's release of the 2026 championship bracket, which will determine their postseason destination. The Bulldogs enter the next phase of play with confidence built on a week of high‑level competition, poised to make a deep run in the national tournament.