Troy & Marshall Charge Forward to Semifinals of Sun Belt Baseball Championship
Exciting Showdown Awaits on Semifinal Saturday
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The stage is set for an exhilarating Saturday at the 2025 Sun Belt Conference Baseball Championship presented by Troy University, with Troy and Marshall emerging triumphant from elimination matches on Friday. Their victories pave the way for an electrifying clash between the top four seeds in the tournament.
Key Matchups to Watch
No. 3-seeded Troy now faces the daunting task of defeating No. 2-seeded Southern Miss twice to secure a coveted spot in the championship game. On the other side, the Thundering Herd will attempt to upset No. 1-seeded Coastal Carolina in a high-stakes battle.
- Game Times:
- Troy vs. Southern Miss: 9:00 a.m. CT
- Marshall vs. Coastal Carolina: 12:30 p.m. CT
- If necessary: 4:00 p.m. CT & 7:30 p.m. CT
Southern Miss has proven to be a formidable opponent for Troy, having swept them during the last regular season series and inflicting two losses in previous championships. Meanwhile, Coastal Carolina swept Marshall earlier this season and handed them their first loss of the current championship.
Game Summaries: Troy & Marshall’s Path to Victory
Troy Triumphs Over Old Dominion: 9-4
In an exciting matchup, Troy avenged an earlier loss to Old Dominion with a decisive 9-4 victory. The Trojans exploded out of the gate, taking an early lead and continually adding to their score.
Highlight Moments:
- Steven Meier electrified the crowd with a mammoth 418-foot two-run homer just two batters into the game.
- Mike Bello followed suit, delivering a bases-loaded hit to extend their lead.
- On the mound, Grayson Stewart was stellar, striking out seven batters over 7 innings while conceding just two runs on nine hits.
Troy’s powerful offense came alive in the sixth and seventh innings, with a four-run outburst that truly defined their victory and affirmed their place in the semifinals.
Marshall Overcomes Louisiana in High-Scoring Thriller: 17-13
In what would be dubbed the highest-scoring game of the tournament, Marshall outlasted Louisiana in a nail-biting 17-13 clash.
Standout Performances:
- Maika Niu shone brightly, crushing a grand slam and later adding a solo shot, making him the third player in Sun Belt tournament history to hit three homers in a single game.
- After an explosive second inning, Marshall surged to an 11-3 lead, but Louisiana wasn’t done yet, clawing back to threaten the Herd’s dominance.
Marshall’s pitching steps up in critical moments, notably with Nicholas Weyrich closing out the Ragin’ Cajuns’ potential comeback, allowing the Herd to advance.
Looking Ahead: Championship Schedule
With the stakes higher than ever, fans won’t want to miss the thrilling semifinals!
Semifinals:
- Saturday, May 24
- Game 13: Troy vs. Southern Miss at 9:00 a.m. CT
- Game 14: Marshall vs. Coastal Carolina at 12:30 p.m. CT
- If Necessary: 4:00 p.m. CT & 7:30 p.m. CT
- Championship Game:
- Sunday, May 25 at 1:00 p.m. CT
For tickets and more information, be sure to check out Championship Tickets and visit Championship Central.
Conclusion
This weekend promises to deliver top-tier collegiate baseball action as Troy and Marshall look to secure their places in the championship game. Don’t miss the drama, the rivalry, and the sheer excitement – tune in and support your team!
