Faith Academy Defeats American Christian to Claim 2026 AHSAA Class 5A Baseball Title
JACKSONVILLE, AL – Faith Academy showcased resilience and determination as they claimed the 2026 AHSAA Class 5A State Baseball Championship, overcoming a Game 1 loss to defeat defending champions American Christian Academy in a thrilling best-of-three series.
After falling 3-0 in the opening game, the Rams roared back with dominant performances in Games 2 and 3 on Friday at Jacksonville State University’s Rudy Abbott Field. The victories, 6-1 and 10-2 respectively, secured Faith Academy’s third state title in program history.
Game 2: Freeman’s Commanding Performance
Senior pitcher Christian Freeman was the hero of Game 2, delivering a complete-game masterpiece. Freeman scattered seven hits, struck out five, and walked just one batter over seven innings, throwing 96 pitches with 64 strikes. His efforts were bolstered by a four-run first inning from the Rams’ offense, setting the tone for the day.
Designated hitter Collin Hall contributed two hits and two RBIs, while the Rams’ defense stranded seven American Christian runners, stifling any comeback attempts.
Game 3: Offensive Explosion Seals the Title
Faith Academy carried their momentum into the decisive Game 3, where their bats came alive. The Rams scored three runs in the first inning, five in the fifth, and two in the sixth to secure a commanding 10-2 victory.
Hall, who was named the series MVP, added another RBI to his tally, while Braydon Wright and Brodie Wilson each launched home runs in the fourth inning. Wright finished with three RBIs, and Wilson added two hits and three RBIs. Eighth-grader Tucker Richardson also shined, driving in two runs with two hits.
On the mound, Grayson Finch pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing just three hits and two runs. Freshman Lathan Boddie closed out the game with 1 2/3 innings of hitless relief, throwing only 16 pitches.
American Christian’s Efforts
The Patriots, led by coach Del Howell, fought valiantly but struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Hunter Elmore and Caleb McAusland provided offensive highlights, with Elmore collecting two hits and McAusland driving in a run with a double.
A Legacy of Excellence
Faith Academy, under the guidance of coach Mike Seymour, finished the season with a 29-9 record. The championship marks their first state title since 2021 and solidifies their place among Alabama’s baseball elite.
For American Christian (35-12), the loss ended their quest for a seventh state championship, but their legacy as a powerhouse program remains intact.
Faith Academy’s victory is a testament to their grit, teamwork, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
FEATURED IMAGE: Grayson Finch pitches five strong innings to get the Game 3 win as Faith Academy completes its comeback effort to claim the Class 5A State Baseball Championship Friday beating defending state champion American Christian
