PATERSON FIELD | MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Coastal Alabama - North Baseball capped a remarkable 2026 postseason run with a runner-up finish at the ACCC Division II Baseball Championship Tournament on Saturday night, May 2 at Paterson Field in downtown Montgomery Ala., closing the year with a 35-23 overall record under first-year head coach Matt Collins.

The Coyotes surged into the championship final with a dominant 24-4 run-rule victory over conference rival Reid State (Ala.) earlier in the day, but ultimately fell 3-1 to top seed Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (Ala.) in the title game later that evening.

Coyotes Explode for 24 Runs to Reach Championship

Earlier on Saturday, Coastal - North delivered its most complete offensive performance of the season in the semifinal, overwhelming Reid State with a season-high 24 runs on 15 hits in just five innings while committing no errors defensively. The Coyotes capitalized on early momentum and never looked back, scoring in bunches while taking advantage of Reid State miscues. Nine different Coyotes scored multiple runs in the offensive outburst, with eight 'Yotes recording RBIs in the onslaught.

Jesse Lord helped lead the charge with a 1-for-3 performance that included four RBIs, two walks, and three runs scored. Reni Mason added three hits, including a double, driving in two runs and scoring twice. Tucker Carlos provided a key power swing with a home run and three RBIs, while Xavier Brown delivered two doubles and three RBIs in a 2-for-3 outing.    

Zoyle Gemar and Sam Guth each recorded three RBIs, combining for six runs scored, while Peyton Martin reached base twice and crossed the plate four times. Landon Jones chipped in with two hits and an RBI as the Coyotes lineup produced from top to bottom.

On the mound, reliever Cameron Durr earned the win with 2.2 shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four and walking none to seal the run-rule victory.

The 'Yotes looked to carry momentum into the championship final against LBW, where the Coyotes needed two wins over the Saints in the double-elimination tournament to earn the title.

Pitching Duel in Championship Final

In the championship game Saturday night, Coastal Alabama - North found itself in a tightly contested battle against LBW, with runs at a premium throughout the night.

Starting pitcher Harrison Hicks turned in a standout performance, striking out 10 batters over 4.2 innings while allowing just two runs on three hits. He kept the Coyotes within striking distance, consistently working out of pressure situations with swing-and-miss stuff. Jordan Ard kept the Saints close with 1.2 scoreless innings in relief, surrendering just one hit while adding two strikeouts to keep the deficit at a minimum.

Offensively, the Coyotes were limited to just four hits. Jesse Lord drove in the lone run, while Peyton Martin, Tucker Carlos, and Landon Jones each recorded hits. Xavier Brown reached base via walk and scored Coastal's only run.

Despite drawing opportunities against an LBW defense that committed two errors, Coastal was unable to generate the timely hits needed to overcome the deficit and fell short in the championship final.

Season to Remember

The runner-up finish marks another milestone for the program, highlighting a season of growth and resilience. Under first-year head coach Matt Collins, the Coyotes improved by eight wins over the previous season and posted a 22-14 mark in conference play.

Coastal Alabama - North's postseason run featured multiple elimination-game victories and showcased the team's offensive depth, pitching strength, and competitive edge against top conference opponents.