JACKSON, Tenn. – No. 7 seed Tennessee Southern wrapped up pool play at the 2026 SSAC Baseball Championship on Friday night, falling in a tightly contested 7–6 decision to No. 3 seed Thomas at Rockabillys Stadium.
The Firehawks and Night Hawks battled through a scoreless first four innings before Tennessee Southern broke through in the fifth. Collin Perkins singled and Baron Cribbs followed with a base hit to put runners on. Zac Wilson reached on an error, allowing Perkins to score and give the Firehawks a 1–0 lead.
Tennessee Southern added to the advantage in the sixth. Evan Nelson singled and advanced into scoring position before Hudson Schmitz delivered an RBI single to make it 2–0. Moments later, Schmitz came around to score on a wild pitch, pushing the lead to 3–0.
The Firehawks extended the lead again in the seventh. Cribbs reached and moved into scoring position before Nelson delivered an RBI single. Tennessee Southern capitalized on a throwing error in the same sequence, plating two more runs to take a 6–3 advantage.
Thomas answered with a two-run seventh and tied the game in the eighth before walking it off in the bottom of the ninth.
Nelson led the Firehawks with a strong performance, going 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Cribbs turned in a perfect day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a run scored, while Perkins added two hits and a run.
Schmitz contributed a hit and an RBI, and Cooper Phillips added a hit. Pastrana recorded a hit, while Wilson reached base multiple times and helped drive early scoring opportunities.
On the mound, Cooper Bailey delivered a strong start, working six innings and allowing three runs while striking out five to keep the Firehawks in control early. The Firehawks turned to the bullpen late, with Braydon Kercado, Barrett Brown, and Mac Etheredge all seeing action before Perkins took the ball in the final inning.
With the result, Tennessee Southern concludes its 2026 season following SSAC Championship pool play.
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