MACON, Ga. — Tuskegee baseball's run at the 2025 Cricket SIAC Baseball Championship came to an end on Friday morning at Luther Williams Field, as the Golden Tigers fell to No. 6 seed Benedict, 14-9, in a high-scoring elimination game.
 
Despite a valiant rally in the middle innings, Tuskegee could not overcome an early deficit and closed its SIAC postseason journey with determination and pride.
 
The loss ends Tuskegee's stay in Macon at 0-2, but the Golden Tigers (now 19-31 overall) will have one more chance to extend their season later this month at the Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU Final Four Tournament.
 
Benedict wasted little time putting pressure on Tuskegee pitching, scoring runs in four consecutive innings to take full control of the contest.
 
After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the second inning on Scott Williams' RBI double that scored Alex Glass, Benedict responded with three runs of their own in the bottom half to take a lead they would never relinquish.
 
The Tigers of Benedict tacked on another in the third, before erupting for back-to-back five-run frames in the fourth and fifth innings, opening up a commanding 14-1 advantage.
 
Tuskegee, however, refused to go quietly. The Golden Tigers mounted a massive rally in the top of the sixth inning, taking advantage of Benedict pitching struggles and errors to score seven runs.
 
The surge included RBI singles from Samarion Ward and Nicholas Pratt, a two-run double by James Slaughter, and a run-scoring groundout from Ryan Morrow.
 
By the time the dust settled, Tuskegee had cut the deficit to 14-8 and swung momentum back in their favor.
 
Tuskegee continued to battle, plating another run in the top of the ninth on an RBI groundout from Scott Williams that brought Devon Lee home to make it 14-9.
 
However, Benedict's bullpen slammed the door from there, retiring the final Golden Tiger hitter to seal the win and end Tuskegee's tournament hopes.
 
In total, Tuskegee collected nine hits on the day, led by standout performances from Williams, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles, two runs scored and two RBIs, and Jabari Johns, who also tallied two hits and drove in a run.
 
Nicholas Pratt chipped in with two hits, a run scored and an RBI, while Slaughter drove in one and scored a run himself.
 
On the mound, starter Mikelle Mason (0-1) was tagged with the loss after working 4.1 innings and allowing 12 runs (seven earned) on nine hits and 11 walks.
 
Tuskegee's bullpen pieced together the final 3.2 innings, with Johns, Devon Lee, and others combining to hold Benedict to just two runs over that span.
 
Despite committing two errors, Tuskegee's defense stabilized late, turning in key outs to keep the game within reach after the fifth inning.
 
Benedict, meanwhile, was powered by a relentless offense that tallied 16 hits and 14 RBIs, with Kenyan Conner collecting three doubles and three RBIs to pace the effort.
 
Up Next
While Tuskegee's quest for an SIAC title came up short, head coach Chadwick Hall and his team will look to regroup and turn the page quickly as they prepare for their invitation to the inaugural Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU Final Four Tournament.
 
The postseason opportunity will give the Golden Tigers another chance to showcase their talents on a national stage and close the 2025 season on a high note.
 
The HBCU Final Four Tournament will be held later this month and will feature a variety of on-field competition and off-field events designed to celebrate HBCU baseball and culture.
 
How to Follow the Golden Tigers
For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Baseball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 
  
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