The Chattanooga State Tigers take the conference title from Walters in a thriller of a tournament for the Tigers. Big time at bats, and pitching performances accelerated Chatt State above Walters State. Backed by 2 huge outings in Charlie Smith, the Tigers were able to rally past the #1 ranked team in the country to secure its TCCAA region tournament Championship. The Tigers bats caught fire in the conference tournament and it was fueled by several key pitching performances.
Game 1
Game 1 was all Charlie Smith. The Tigers Ace shined bright in the night lights as he went on to pitch a complete game, 9IP, 5 hits, and striking out 17 Motlow hitters. Chatt State spread 7 hits for 6 runs, with RBIs from Owen Brock , Cade Chamlee (2), and Conor Linkfield (2). Chatt State's dominant pitching led them to a 6-2 win over Motlow.
Game 2
Game 2 against Southwest Tennessee was all offense for the Tigers. While Matthew Gist only had to hurl 6 innings, he scattered 3 runs on 4 hits, and striking out 6. The Tigers offense exploded for 13 runs, scoring in all but the 3rd inning. They scored 1 in the 1st, 4 in the second, 3 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 4 more to 10-run Southwest in the 6th. The Tigers did the most with their opportunities as they recorded 13 runs on just 6 hits. Home runs by Scott Campbell, Aidan McAskie and Mason Page paced the offense. RBIs by CJ Morro, Scott Campbell (4), Adam Haber, Cade Chamlee, Aidan McAskie (4), Mason Page and Cole Brennan all played a major role in the Tigers lunging past Southwest to win 13-3.
Game 3
In the winners bracket Championship, it was back and forth as Walters State was able to jump out for good in the 6th. The Tigers answered a big 4 run 2nd inning by Walters with 2 in the 3rd and 5 in the 5th to move in front until Walters State's power leaked through hitting 5 home runs. CJ Morro lead the offense in game 3 with 3 RBI and a home run. RBIs from Cole Brennan, Aidan McAskie, Conor Linkfield (2) helped keep the game close until late in the contest. The Tigers bumped down to the losers bracket in this 15-8 loss to Walters State.
Game 4
The dog fight began for the Tigers in game 4 after dropping to Walters State in the winners bracket championship. Luckily, the offense was able to conserve pitching as they 10-run Southwest Tennessee a second time in the tournament, playing the minimum 5 innings. A monster 7 run 1st inning, set the Tigers up for success early as they were able to save arms in the shortened contest. Chatt State continued to match power as Owen Brock and Aidan McAskie added home runs to help boost the Tigers past Southwest. RBIs by CJ Morro, Scott Campbell, Adam Haber, Owen Brock (2), Cade Chamlee (2) and Aidan McAskie (3) lifted the Tigers back into the Championship series with Walters State. Tigers pitcher, Cooper Longron, went 5 innings of shutout baseball while allowing 4 hits and striking out 5.
Game 5
The stage was set for the Region 7 Championship series, in a rematch of the winners bracket game. Walters State, ranked #1 in the country, entered the game 1 win away from a district series to move to Grand Junction. The Tigers were not going down without a fight. After Walters State jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the second, the Tigers clawed their way back into the game, scratching 1 in the 6th and 4 in the 7th to hold off Walters in a 9-7 win. It was Charlie Smith yet again, going on 2 days rest. Once he got settled in the 3rd inning, the Tigers Ace earned himself another complete game, allowing just 6 hits, spreading 5 ER while striking out 6. His second CG in just 3 days. It was Aidan McAskie yet again with the offense with a huge grand slam in the 7th to lift the Tigers past Walters. RBIs by Scott Campbell, Adam Haber, Owen Brock, Aidan McAskie (4) and Conor Linkfield all helped the team effort to boost the Tigers past Walters in a must win game.
Game 6 (Conference Championship)
Winner take all for the Region 7 Championship, Walters State Senators vs Chattanooga State Tigers. The Tigers offense found fire at the right time in the TCCAA tournament. Big hits, matching offensive power, and clutch performances on the mound lifted the Tigers the whole tournament. It was Adam Haber and yet again, Aidan McAskie with big time home runs in the championship against Walters. RBIs by Scott Campbell, Adam Haber (3), Aidan McAskie (2) and Cade Chamlee helped pad the lead. A combined effort by Garrett Borst and Luke Motter on the mound helped the Tigers to bring home the region championship in a 9-6 win over Walters State. A huge play to end the 8th inning by the battery of Owen Brock and Luke Motter stalled the Senators? momentum going into the final inning. The Tigers? offensive spark certainly boosted their championship run, but it was ultimately the dog performances of Charlie Smith on the mound that helped the Tigers secure their championship. Deservingly so, Smith was awarded Player of the Tournament with his 18 innings pitched, 10 hits, 7 earned runs, and 23 strikeouts in a 3 day span.