FAMU Baseball One Win From NCAA Tournament Berth

Florida A&M baseball is one game away from punching its ticket to the NCAA Tournament, and the team that stands in their way hasn't beaten them all year.

The Rattlers defeated Southern 5-1 on Saturday in Birmingham, Alabama, advancing to Sunday's SWAC Tournament championship game. They'll face Alabama State, a team they swept 4-0 during the regular season.

Jackson McKenzie powered FAMU with a home run in the second inning, fresh off hitting for the cycle two days earlier in their quarterfinal victory. Pitcher Jesus Campa dominated for six innings, allowing just one run, while Ryan Young closed out the final three innings for the save.

The stakes couldn't be higher. The winner earns the SWAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which begins Friday, May 29.

This marks FAMU's second straight championship game appearance. Last year, they fell to Bethune-Cookman, but the defending champions were eliminated Saturday, guaranteeing a new conference winner will be crowned.

Head coach Jamey Shouppe could make history with a win. He already led FAMU to conference tournament victories in 2015 and 2019 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, plus a SWAC title in 2023. A second SWAC championship would give him multiple titles across two different conferences, a rare coaching achievement.

The Ripple Effect

FAMU's success extends beyond the diamond. As a historically Black university, the Rattlers' championship run puts their program on the national stage and inspires students across campus. The team's 30-22 record represents a remarkable turnaround season, proving that consistent work and team chemistry can overcome higher-seeded opponents.

Their four regular season wins over Alabama State provide confidence, but tournament baseball brings its own pressure. The Hornets earned their spot by eliminating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 8-5 in their semifinal matchup.

Sunday's championship game at historic Rickwood Field will air on SWAC TV at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, giving fans across the country a chance to watch the Rattlers chase their dream of playing in college baseball's biggest tournament.