JACKSON, Tenn. – No. 7 seed Tennessee Southern opened play at the 2026 SSAC Baseball Championship on Wednesday afternoon, falling to No. 2 seed and No. 19-ranked William Carey, 15–1, at Rockabillys Stadium.
The Firehawks threatened early as Zac Wilson recorded a first-inning single, but were unable to capitalize.
William Carey struck for two runs in the opening frame and added another in the second before breaking the game open in the third with a four-run inning to take control.
Tennessee Southern found its lone run in the fifth. Devin Thrain sparked the inning with a single, and after Jake Tegler added a base hit, Evan Nelson delivered an RBI single up the middle to plate Reagan Tomlin and put the Firehawks on the board.
Thrain led the Firehawks at the plate with a strong showing, going 2-for-3. Nelson added a hit and an RBI, while Anthony Pastrana and Wilson each recorded a hit. Tegler also contributed a hit, and Tomlin scored the lone run after reaching base.
Baron Cribbs reached base and was active on the basepaths with a stolen base, helping generate offensive pressure.
On the mound, Drew Sharp got the start, working into the third inning. The Firehawks turned to a bullpen-by-committee effort the rest of the way, with Blake Medley, Danton Reinhart, Maxwell McHenry, and Max Cassel all seeing action.
Tennessee Southern will continue SSAC Championship play on Thursday, April 30, facing No. 6 seed Loyola in Jackson, Tenn.
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