CHOCCOLOCCO PARK | OXFORD, Ala. - A strong run in the 2025 ACCC D-I Baseball Championship Tournament came to an end in the semifinals for the Coastal Alabama South Baseball team over the weekend, with the Coyotes seeing the 2025 season officially come to a close on Sunday evening, May 11. Coastal South opened postseason play with two big wins, including a run-rule victory over the No. 2 seed of Gadsden State (Ala.). However, the Yotes suffered two losses on Sunday to fall short of the ACCC Championship game.
The 2025 season ends with Coastal Alabama South Baseball, led by head coach JD Pruitt, sporting a 30-26 overall record.
Tournament Recap
Coastal South entered the postseason as the No. 3 seed of the ACCC D-I Baseball Championship tourney and faced off with Chattahoochee Valley (Ala.) on Thursday, May 8. Despite a late comeback attempt for Chatt Valley, the Yotes hung on to open the postseason with a 6-5 victory. Caden Mason led the team offensively with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, including a home run and three RBIs. Kennedy Leggett joined Mason with multiple RBIs, recording two off a double. Coastal South relied on four pitchers to secure the tournament-opening win, with Spencer Nicholas earning the win and Trevor Ferris picking up the save.
The next day, the Yotes continued momentum and dominated the second-seeded Cardinals of Gadsden State, 12-4. The game was called early in the seventh inning due to the NJCAA run rule. Caden Mason once again homered and picked up three RBIs in the win, while being joined by Bryce Speakman and Drake McBride with three RBIs a piece as well. Derek Jelen recorded two runs driven in. The four players combined for nine of the Coyotes' 15 hits against Gadsden State. On the mound, Dexter Benoit and Tyler Zawacki combined for 2 2/3 innings of scoreless work from out of the bullpen. Bryson Morman earned the win after tossing 4 1/3 innings.
Coastal South did not return to action until Sunday morning, May 11 after weather postponed Saturday's games. The Yotes took on the top-seeded Bucs of Shelton State (Ala.) on Sunday, eventually being shut out, 5-0. Coastal South only managed four hits in the first loss of the double-elimination tournament, with Bryce Speakman finishing 2-for-3. On the mound, Talan Tourelle tossed a complete game, walking four and striking out six. All five of the Bucs' runs were earned.
In an elimination game and with a spot to the championship game on the line, Coastal South faced Wallace State - Hanceville (Ala.) late on Sunday and saw the 2025 season come to a close in heartbreaking fashion. The Coyotes came back from an early deficit to tie the game 5-5, but the Lions eventually walked off the Yotes and advanced to the championship.
Season Officially Closes
The Coyotes end the 2025 campaign with 30 wins, five better than last season. Additionally, Coastal South managed a 15-11 home record and 12-12 record on the road, while finishing 3-3 in games on a neutral field.
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