UAPB Baseball: Golden Lions Pull Off Upset Victory in the First Round of the SWAC Tournament

Birmingham, AL–The UAPB Golden Lions baseball team delivered one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 SWAC Baseball Tournament on Wednesday, knocking off tournament favorite Bethune–Cookman in a thrilling upset victory that sent shockwaves through the conference bracket.

Coming into the matchup as the underdog, UAPB played with confidence from the opening pitch and never backed down against one of the league’s most consistent programs. The Golden Lions combined timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and clutch pitching to secure the statement win and keep their postseason hopes alive.

UAPB struck first in the early innings, taking a 4-0 lead after the first 2 innings. The Golden Lions’ offense came through with runners in scoring position, delivering key RBI hits that put pressure on Bethune-Cookman throughout the afternoon. UAPB would add an additional run in the top of the fourth to extend the lead 5-0.

Bethune-Cookman answered with a mid-game rally, trimming the deficit to one after putting up 4 runs in the bottom of the fourth, threatening to seize control, but UAPB’s pitching staff responded in critical moments. Second team All-SWAC selection Kenny Fabian controlled the narrative on the mound for UAPB, holding the Wildcats scoreless for three innings, while allowing 4 earned runs off 7 hits with 2 walks and a strikeout in 7 innings of work.

UAPB fought off multiple charges by Bethune-Cookman, adding an insurance run in the top of the ninth. From there, Jaden Porter took over on the mound, and after a lightning delay, closed the door with composed pitching in the final innings earning the save.

Zach Weider led the way at the Plate for the Golden Lions, going 3-4 with a run scored. The SWAC’s Freshman of the Year and second team All-SWAC performer Aaron Grant was 2-4 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

The victory marked one of UAPB’s biggest wins of the season and showcased the resilience the team has displayed throughout the year. Players celebrated enthusiastically following the final out as the Golden Lions advanced deeper into the tournament field.

With the upset victory, UAPB continues its run in the SWAC Tournament carrying newfound momentum and confidence as the Golden Lions will face Alabama State today at 6pm. Live coverage brought to you by Central Maloney Inc., on Deltaplex Radio’s 99.3fm The Beat.