Sophomore-Led Trojans Cap 30-Win Season with Region 20 Tournament Run

The Allegany College of Maryland baseball team closed out the 2026 season with an overall record of 30–28 (19–15 in conference play), a campaign defined by resilience, offensive firepower, and a core group of second-year players who helped guide the program to another competitive finish.

In a season that tested the Trojans early with cancellations, weather interruptions, and a demanding schedule, ACM steadily built momentum behind its experienced roster. That experience proved critical, as a majority of the lineup and pitching staff was composed of sophomores who brought leadership, consistency, and maturity to the field throughout the spring.

"This group really grew into who they were as the season went on," said Assistant Coach Gary Tipton.

Offensive Production Powers the Trojans

Offensively, the Trojans were among the most productive teams in Region 20, finishing with a .284 team batting average, 471 hits, and 63 home runs across 58 games.

Sophomore Duke Psoras highlighted the lineup with a standout season, batting .367 with 15 home runs and 57 RBIs, while posting a 1.176 OPS. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, both at the plate and on the bases, made him a centerpiece of the Trojan offense.

Fellow sophomore Alex Kennell provided significant power, hitting 14 home runs with a .356 average and a team-best 1.288 OPS, anchoring the middle of the order.

Frank Diaz added consistency and extra-base ability, batting .331 with 43 RBIs, while players like Theo Kanegae, Ben Abram, and Christos Tassopoulos contributed depth, discipline, and timely production throughout the lineup.
The Trojans featured a balanced offensive approach, with multiple contributors stepping into key roles over the course of the season. That depth, largely fueled by experienced returners, allowed ACM to remain competitive in nearly every matchup.

Pitching Anchored by Veteran Presence

On the mound, the Trojans relied heavily on their sophomore arms to navigate a demanding schedule.
Christopher Fagot led the rotation with a 2.66 ERA, logging over 74 innings while holding opponents to a .232 average. He consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, including a complete-game shutout performance in the postseason.

Ivan Sypa emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in the region, striking out 105 batters in 76.1 innings while posting a 2.95 ERA. His ability to control games and miss bats gave ACM a reliable option in key moments.

Throughout the season, the Trojans leaned on a staff that combined experience and resilience, finishing with 441 strikeouts and countless innings that kept the team competitive against top-tier offenses.

Building Through Conference Play

ACM's 19–15 conference record was a reflection of its ability to compete in the Maryland JUCO, one of the most competitive regions in the NJCAA.

The Trojans earned key victories throughout the year, including dominant performances against CCBC Dundalk and Prince George's Community College, as well as several tightly contested games that showcased their ability to battle late into innings.
Close wins in extra innings and comeback efforts became a defining part of the team's identity, highlighting both the experience and composure of a veteran roster.

Region 20 Tournament Run

The Trojans carried that momentum into the postseason, putting together an impressive run in the Region 20 Tournament.
ACM opened with an extra-inning victory over Southern Maryland, 8–7, followed by a convincing 15–6 win over Hagerstown. The Trojans then delivered one of their strongest performances of the year with a 3–0 shutout of #2 CCBC Essex, fueled by dominant pitching and timely offense.

Their run eventually came to a close with losses to #1 Frederick and #4 Garrett, including a tightly contested 4–3 game to end the season.

Despite the final results, the Trojans proved they belonged among the top teams in the region, competing deep into the tournament against elite competition.

A Sophomore Core That Set the Standard

A defining characteristic of the 2026 season was the impact of its sophomore class. From middle-of-the-order production to frontline pitching, second-year players formed the backbone of the program.
Their leadership extended beyond statistics, shaping the team's culture, work ethic, and approach to competition.

"We had a team full of sophomores; its great to see guys choosing our school and move on to 4 year schools. Junior college baseball is about development, exposure, and opportunity. If you commit to the process, it can open every door you're working toward. Summer is an exciting time to see where our guys land," added Head Coach Mason Heyne.

Continuing to Build the Pipeline

As the season concludes, the Trojans continue to build momentum not only on the field, but in advancing student-athletes to the next level.

Allegany College of Maryland has steadily strengthened its reputation for developing players who move on to four-year programs, and the 2026 roster is expected to continue that trend. The combination of athletic development, academic commitment, and competitive exposure has positioned ACM as a strong stepping stone for future opportunities.

Athletic Director Tommie Reams emphasized the program's season. "Good season and exciting playoff run that was cut too short for their momentum in May."

Looking Ahead

While the 2026 season has come to a close, another foundational season built by this year's team—particularly its sophomore class—sets a strong tone for the future.

With continued development, recruiting, and a commitment to moving student-athletes forward, ACM Baseball remains in a position to build upon its success and remain a competitive force in Region 20.

The Trojans leave the season with 30 wins, a playoff run, and a program identity rooted in resilience, growth, and opportunity.