TIFTON, Ga. - The game does not count in the Southern States Athletic Conference standings, but the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Stallions made quite an impact Tuesday against their first SSAC opponent of 2026, smashing Thomas University, 9-1.

Chasin Cash launched a two-run homer in the 1st inning to get the Stallions going. Trey Hodges through 5 innings of 4-hit scoreless ball and Thomas U had little going for them all afternoon.

The Night Hawks used eight pitchers. Four of them surrendered runs. All of them had to deal with baserunners, be it their own or inherited.

ABAC had 10 hits and though only two went for extra bases, they were a constant worry for their guests.

After Cash's two-run shot (that plated Cameron Campbell), the Stallions struck for a run in the 2nd when Joseph Cooney scored on a single by Talan Watson.

The 3rd saw them score four more times.

Drew Rothschild doubled in Dylan Davis and Cash. Cooney brought in Kam Taylor on a sacrifice fly and Billy Girgis singled an inch over a leaping second baseman to drive in Rothschild.

Quinten Rawls had a sac fly in the 5th, making it 8-0 when Rothschild scored an unearned run.

Thomas scored its only run in the 7th. ABAC got that back in the 8th on a fielder's choice by Cash, Campbell touching home. 

Cash finished at 3 RBIs and Rothschild scored 3 runs. Cooney and Cash had 2 hits each.

Hodges was relieved by Owen Lamb, Logan Bolinger, Will Wesley and Lalan Ellis, who added 3 more strikeouts to the total. It was the first appearance of the season for Wesley.

ABAC is back in action Friday with a home doubleheader versus Spartanburg Methodist (4-1). Game 1 begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, the Stallions play a third game with Spartanburg Methodist at 1 p.m.