Georgia Gwinnett College Athletics

The Gold Standard.

Wearing the cherished gold-colored uniforms that are reserved for championship-caliber events, the top-seeded Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team left no doubt about who was the best team in the 2026 Continental Athletic Conference Championship tournament, beating No. 2 seed Westcliff University (California) 12-1 in Friday afternoon's title game at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

GGC (46-6), the nation's No. 3 ranked team, outscored its three CAC opponents by a combined 34-9 score, posted an .354 batting average and collected 16 extra-base hits, including 10 doubles and three home runs, over the course of the three-day tournament.

"We're a team with a special group of players. Everyone contributes on the field and at the plate. It's just a matter of time before we figure things out (against an opponent). Once we do, watch out," said junior left fielder Trey Smith, who earned the Most Outstanding Player honor for the tournament. He smashed a home run in the championship game.

"This team makes the necessary in-game adjustments so well. They're even keeled and stay focused on what matters. For the entire season, we have been focused on playing our best baseball in the postseason and the month of May. It's our time to shine," assessed Head Coach Tommy Goodale as he watched his team celebrate the championship in his first season leading the Grizzlies.

The next step in the team's journey will also be in Lawrenceville as GGC has been selected to host one of the 10 Opening Round sites for this year's NAIA national tournament, starting on May 11. Details about the teams that will be coming to the Grizzly Baseball Complex along with the full 48-team national championship field will be announced May 6 at 5 p.m.

Smith's two-run home run to left-center field broke open a close championship game. That gave the tournament hosts a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. They added three runs in the sixth inning and five more runs in the seventh frame, building a 12-0 lead before Westcliff scored its lone run in the top of the ninth.

Junior third baseman JJ Garcia paced the Grizzlies' offensive attack with a perfect 3-for-3 hitting performance, two RBI and three runs scored. Junior designated hitter Lance Bratlien added two hits and two runs scored, while six other players collected one hit apiece across the team's potent offensive lineup.

Those efforts were supported by starting left-handed pitcher Peyton Castellow, who allowed just four hits and no runs, with four strikeouts, over the first five innings. He improved his record to 7-0 for the season. Providing strong relief pitching performances were sophomore Fisher Smith (two strikeouts in two innings) and seniors Carson Judd (one inning) and Christian Johnson (one inning).


           
Coach's Corner
"I'm proud of this group and what it has been able to accomplish so far. We've got bigger goals on the horizon and even more challenges are ahead for us. However, this team is primed and ready. This (CAC championship) checks the next box for this group," said Head Coach Tommy Goodale.
 
Turning Point
With starting pitcher Peyton Castellow cruising during the first five shutout innings, allowing just four hits, the Grizzlies' offense ignited to score four runs. Junior left fielder Trey Smith smashed a two-run homer over the left-center field fence to give the team a 4-0 lead. Eight more runs were added over the next two innings.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of Fourth
A throwing error by the Warriors allowed two runs to score, giving the Grizzlies a 2-0 advantage
 
Bottom of Fifth
Trey Smith connected on a two-run home run to left-center field
 
Bottom of Sixth
Jackson Legg lined a run-scoring double down the right-field line
Vick Gann added a two-run single through the right side to cap a three-run frame
 
Bottom of Seventh
Lance Bratlien hit an RBI double to plate the team's eighth run of the contest
JJ Garcia legged out a double to score two runs, extending the lead to 10-0
Peyton Watts collected a sacrifice fly to left field
 
Inside The Numbers 

• GGC outhit Westcliff by an 11-5 margin
• Junior third baseman JJ Garcia went 3-for-3 and scored three times on Friday
• Four Grizzly pitchers combined to strikeout seven batters, led by senior left-hander starter Peyton Castellow with four strikeouts in five innings
• GGC's defense turned two double plays in the triumph

News & Notes 

• GGC improves to 46-6 in 2026; Westcliff concludes the season with a 27-22 record
• Georgia Gwinnett improved to 21-3 all-time when wearing championship gold uniforms in its postseason history
• The Grizzlies are ranked No. 3 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, announced April 29 by the NAIA national office
• Georgia Gwinnett has been selected by the NAIA to host one of the 10 Opening Round sites for the NAIA national tournament; play will begin May 11

Up Next 
Georgia Gwinnett College will now represent the CAC while hosting an Opening Round site for this year's NAIA national tournament. Details about the teams that will be coming to Lawrenceville along with the full 48-team national championship field will be announced May 6 at 5 p.m.