#1 Georgia Gwinnettswept through the Association of Independent Institutions tournament, defeating Fisher13-3, Mount Mercy9-1, and Clarke6-3 and 14-1. In the first game against Clarke, CF Josh Merrigan hit an RBI single for the winning run. RHP Nikolay Uherek got the win, pitched seven innings, allowed two earned runs on nine hits, struck out six. Story
Zac Rinehart is second in the NAIA in hitting with a .476 average. The Grizzlies are hosting an Opening Round bracket May 17-20. video
#2 Bellevue won the North Star Athletic Association tournament. They hit eight home runs in the final against Mayville State, and won 14-1. LF Joe Moran hit two of the home runs. RHP Ben McKendall had a shutout going into the eighth inning before giving up a home run by LF Aaron Miller. The Comets had to play an "if necessary" game to get to the final, and ran out of pitchers in the seventh inning, when the Bruins scored ten runs. Story None of the games the Bruins played in the tournament were close. RHP Todd Nicks and RHP John Timmins combined for an 11-0 shutout over Waldorf; Nicks struck out 14. Story
McKendall is now 11-1, 1.53 ERA (ninth-best in the NAIA), with 111 strikeouts (tied for sixth-best in the NAIA). The Bruins now wait to learn their Opening Round location.
#3 Lewis-Clark Statewon the NAIA West tournament, without giving up a single run. The defending champions defeated Corban7-0, British Columbia3-0, and C. of Idaho5-0. RHP Kevin Hamann, RHP Noel Gonzalez (in relief), and RHP Connor Brogdon got the wins; Hamann went the distance. The game against British Columbia was probably the best of the three. It was scoreless until the eight inning, and a good pitching duel between RHP Curtis Taylor of the Thunderbirds (6 IP, 4 hits, 10 strikeouts, no walks) and RHP Quin Grogan of the Warriors (7 2/3 IP, 3 hits, seven strikeouts, three walks). The Warriors got the only run they needed on an RBI double by CF Logan Griffin, off reliever RHP Christian Botnick. LF Jacob Zanon completed the scoring with a solo home run. Story 1B Tyler McDowell went 4-for-4 with two triples and a stolen base in the game against C. of Idaho. Story
The Warriors are idle until the Baseball National Championship tournament May 27-June 3. Both the Thunderbirds (ISR #9, #1in strength of schedule) and C. of Idaho (ISR #12) will be playing in the Opening Round.
In everyconference listed here (except the the Southern States Athletic Conference, which had a winner-take-all final), the title was decided by an “if necessary” game. ISR's mentioned here are as of May 6.
Cal State San Marcos(ISR #13) won the Association of Independent Institutions championship for the third time in five years. They lost the first “final” to #1 Georgia Gwinnett 2-1. The Grizzlies out-hit the Cougars 11-5, and SS Ernesto Vasquez hit an RBI single for the winning run. CSUSM won the deciding game 11-5. The Cougars got five runs in the first inning, and added four more in the second. LF Clinton Perez hit an RBI single for the winning run. Emilio Esquibel got his second win of the tournament, and ran his record to 12-1, 2.43 ERA. Story Georgia Gwinnett will host an Opening Round bracket.
#2 Oklahoma Citywon the Sooner Athletic Conference tournament, defeating #3 Oklahoma Baptisttwice, 9-6 and 7-5. The Stars trailed in the late innings of both games. They scored four runs in the eighth inning of the first one. In the second one, C Connor Lynch hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth. Story Both Oklahoma City and Oklahoma Baptist are hosting Opening Round brackets.
Blowouts in Shreveport, and upsets in Columbus, GA.
At the Southern States Athletic Conferencetournament in Columbus:
#4-ranked Leewent two-and-out. They were taken out by #19 Southern Polytechnic 7-4. The Hornets won it with four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on only one hit; the winning run was scored by courtesy runner Conrad Boron when pinch-hitter Blake Parrot drew a bases-loaded walk. The Hornets drew a total of eight walks and two hit batters. Brad Hutson got the win in relief; starter Josh Strawn put in a good effort for the Hornets, recorded eleven strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings, allowed three earned runs on eight hits.
#6 Auburn-Montgomeryalso went two-and-out, losing to #16 Brewton-Parker 8-7 (10 innings). 1B Jacob Evors hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to send it into extra innings, then hit a bases-loaded single in the tenth to win it. Evors finished the game 3-6 with five RBI. The Barons used six pitchers; Ben Gillespie got the win, faced two batters, threw nine pitches. Story from Auburn-Montgomery site: No. 6 AUM Falls in Extras to No. 16 Brewton-Parker, 8-7
#13 Faulkner is still in the tournament, but they're in the losers' bracket. The Eagles lost to host William Carey7-6. RF Javier Ortiz scored the winning run in the seventh; he reached base on a walk, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a wild throw. Starter Scotty Reese got the win for the Crusaders; Ortiz finished the game 2-3 with a double and two runs scored.
Schedule for the first two days of the 60th NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 27-28, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):
9 AM: #7 seed Sterling (48-14) vs. #10 Point (33-25)
Sterling (Sterling, KS) is making their second appearance at the Baseball National Championship. Their previous appearance was in 2013, and they went 0-2. They won the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament.
Nickname:Warriors
Rankings:#9 in coaches' poll, #21 in ISR. Strength of schedule: #14
Quality wins:2-1 vs. Missouri Baptist, 5-2 vs. York
Top position players: 1B Andrew Dorado (.417, 15 HR, 53 RBI), 2B Beau Kallas (.415, 18 HR, 66 RBI), RF Kendall Radcliffe (.376, 19 HR, 64 RBI). Radcliffe was tied for seventh in the NAIA in home runs. Kallas was tied for ninth in home runs.
Top pitchers: LHP Kade Wagner (11-2, 1.53 ERA, 79 K), LHP Brad Williams (from Perth, Australia; 10-3, 2.09 ERA, 115 K), RHP Ryan Pope (3-1, 2.14 ERA, 59 K, 15 saves). Wagner has the sixth-lowest ERA in the NAIA.
Coach:Adrian Dinkel, fifth season
Outlook: The Warriors will win a game.
Point (West Point, GA) is making their first appearance at the Baseball National Championship.
Nickname:Skyhawks
Rankings:Unranked in coaches' poll, #33 in ISR. SoS: #11
Quality wins: Faulkner, 4-1 vs. Bryan, South Carolina-Beaufort, 2-1 vs. Campbellsville
Top position players: 3B Omar Smith (.341), C Juan Reyes (from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; .336, 7 HR, 25 RBI), CF Riliani Familia (also from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; .322, 10 HR, 44 RBI)
Top pitchers: RHP Payne Kosobucki (7-1, 2.39 ERA, 70 K), RHP Josh Nestlehutt (8-6, 3.14 ERA, 89 K), RHP Dylan Griffin (9-2, 4.09 ERA, 115 K)
Coach:Jeremy Christian, second season
Outlook: The Skyhawks did well to get this far, but they're in tough here.
Results from the second day of the NAIA Baseball Opening round:
South Carolina-Beaufort 7, Faulkner 3: The #5-ranked Eagles went two-and-out, and the Sand Sharks gave Corey Black his second loss of the season. The Sand Sharks scored five runs in the last two innings, and the winning run came on a pinch-hit RBI single by Blake Cilwick. Miles Galvin got the win for the Sand Sharks, struck out eleven. The Sand Sharks play Union U. (TN) on Saturday, and the winner plays Saint Thomas.
Saint Thomas (FL) 6, Union U. (TN) 3: The Bobcats go to 2-0 in the tournament. Pinch-hitter Oscar Romero hit a two-RBI single for the winning run.
LSU-Shreveport 1, Lindsey Wilson 0: Lindsey Wilson starter Darren Travers gave up a run in the first inning on an RBI single by 1B Greg Friesen, and held the Pilots scoreless the rest of the way. The Pilots needed a shutout from Jared Mortensen, and got one. Mortensen held the Blue Raiders to four hits, struck out ten, and walked only one. The Pilots will face the Peru State-Lindsey Wilson winner tomorrow for the championship.
LSU-Shreveport, Tennessee Wesleyan, Embry-Riddle, Point Park, and Rogers State have qualified for the Baseball National Championship tournament. Results from the third day of the NAIA Baseball Opening round:
LSU-Shreveport 5, Lindsey Wilson 1: Logan Norris pitched a three-hitter for the Pilots, struck out six, walked three. RF Kade Billeaudeaux hit a sacrifice fly for the winning run. Billeaudeaux went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Tennessee Wesleyan 14, Saint Francis (IL) 4: The Bulldogs got all the runs they needed in the third inning, on RBI singles by 1B Jake Stone and 3B Taylor Oldham, and a three-RBI double by DH Drew Levi. Levi went 3-for-5 with four RBI. Jeremy Fitzgerald got the win. Saint Francis used eight pitchers.
RHP Keegan Yuhl, a transfer from Lee, pitched a no-hitter for #9 Concordia-Irvine in a 9-0 non-conference win over Antelope Valley. Yuhl threw 115 pitches, struck out 12, walked three. Story from Concordia-Irvine: Keegan Yuhl Throws First No-Hitter In Concordia History. The story includes three video clips; scroll down to see them. Box score.
The Eagles didn't just get a no-hitter and a three game sweep of Antelope Valley; all three games were shutouts, and the Eagles allowed only four hits for the series.
#12 The Master's won two of three at #22 San Diego Christian in a Golden State Athletic Conference matchup of two teams that were previously undefeated. The scores were 4-2, 8-11, and 3-1. The Mustangs got three runs on the top of the ninth inning to win the first game; 1B Josh Brown hit a two-RBI single to bring in the winning run. Jason Karkenny pitched two perfect innings to get the win in relief. 3B Jeff Lusardi hit a home run, a double, and five RBI for the Hawks in the second game. RHP Tucker Richardson pitched a seven-inning gem for the Mustangs in the third game; three hits, nine strikeouts, one walk. He was one out short of a shutout; Lusardi hit a home run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. The Mustangs visit Concordia-Irvine Feb. 7-8. The Hawks host #16 Cal State San Marcos Feb. 8.
The split between The Master's and San Diego Christian enabled Vanguard to take over first place in the GSAC. The Lions swept three games against Arizona Christian, 3-2, 4-2, and 2-1. The Lions were held to three hits by Ismael Castro in the first game, but all three Lions runs were unearned. CF Thomas Mobley hit a two-RBI double in the bottom of the eighth to win the second game. Scott Torrey went the seven-inning distance for the Lions in the third game, didn't allow an earned run, allowed four hits, struck out six. The Lions visit Westmont Feb. 7-8. Live video
Oklahoma City (8-3) defeated Southern Nazarene8-4 in mid-week. The Stars scored six runs in the first inning, and Blake Schwartz recorded seven strikeouts in six innings of work. The Stars then dropped two games to MidAmerica Nazarene, 8-4 and 4-2. In the first game, RF Josh Greer hit two home runs for the Pioneers, batted in five of their eight runs. In the second game, Pioneer starter Tino Luna recorded ten strikeouts in six innings, held the Stars to five hits. The Stars rebounded with two wins over Bellevue, 7-2 and 5-1. Rich Hawkins pitched a complete game in the first one, SS Chris Muñoz went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI in the second one. The Stars host Northwood (TX)Feb. 21, U. of Science and Arts of OklahomaFeb. 23, then visit USAO Feb. 25.
Concordia-Irvine (6-4) swept three games against Patten, 9-1, 12-0, and 11-7. The first game was closer than the score indicates; see campus visit. Jake Hovis went the distance in the shutout, struck out ten. RF Ty Holm went 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI in the third game. The Eagles begin their defense of their Golden State Athletic Conference championship at home against San Diego ChristianFeb. 23, then visit San Diego Christian Feb. 25.
Lee(11-2) lost two midweek games, 9-3 to Union C. (KY) and 8-7 to Tennessee Wesleyan. The Flames led Tennessee Wesleyan 7-6 going into the ninth inning. They had the bases loaded with no outs in the top of the ninth, and couldn't get an insurance run. Tennessee Wesleyan got two cheap runs in the bottom of the ninth to win it. The Flames swept Emmanuelover the weekend, 12-1, 2-1, and 8-5. Kris Hall struck out eleven in the mercy-rule shortened first game. The winning run in the second game came on a solo home run by 1B Roberto Reyes. The Flames trailed the third game 5-2 at one point, got a good five-inning relief effort from James Rechenbach. The Flames host Rio GrandeFeb. 20 and Lindsey WilsonFeb.22, and visit U. of MobileFeb. 24-25.
NAIA baseball action during the past week.
#1 Tennessee Wesleyan lost a mid-week game to #12 Lindsey Wilson4-3. The Bulldogs outhit the Blue Raiders 9-7; LF Leandro Andino hit a sacrifice fly to send in the winning run. (story). The defending champions then swept three games against Indiana-Southeast, 12-2, 3-1, and 2-1. In the first game, Four Bulldog pitchers combined to hold the Grenadiers to four hits; Jarrod Jameson got the win. SS Wes Minton scored the winning run in the second game on a passed ball; Corey Rhoney got the win, went 5 2/3 innings, allowed four hits, struck out five. In the third game, the Bulldogs managed only two hits off Grenadiers pitcher Lucas Harry, but RF David Donald was hit by a pitch and scored on a ground out for the first Bulldog run, and Minton hit a solo home run for the winning run. Tyler Wilson got the win; he went 4 2/3 innings, allowed two hits, struck out seven.
The Bulldogs host Georgia Gwinnett February 27, and Saint Andrew's, who is 9-1, March 2-3.
#2 LSU-Shreveport swept Texas College, 14-4, 3-2, and 8-4. Rory Young got the win in the first game. The Pilots needed a two-RBI single in the bottom of the seventh and final inning by C David Dorton to win the second game. CF Ridge Gonsoulin hit a two-run home run in the third game, finished 2-for-4 with three RBI.
The Pilots host Division III Louisiana College February 26, and visit Texas Wesleyan March 1-2.
Cal Baptistwon two of three against Division II Cal State-San Bernardino. The Lancers won the first game 3-2. Taylor Siemens got the win, holding CSUSB to three hits over six innings, striking out five. SS Brian Sharp singled in the winning run in the sixth inning. Story from Cal Baptist site:Coyotes Executed. CSUSB won the second game 8-3; the game was tied 3-3 going into the eighth inning, but the Coyotes pulled away with a two-RBI single by RF David Silvas. 2B Cole Bullard and Sharp each had two hits for the Lancers, and Travis Barnes got the loss. The Lancers won the rubber game 8-5, and RF Matt Marnati went 3-4 and batted in three runs. Devyn Rivera got the win; he and reliever Erik Wallace combined to hold the Coyotes to seven hits. Marnati is batting .522, Wallace is 1-0, 1.64 ERA with two saves. Coming up for the Lancers: at Cal State-LA on Tuesday, at Redlands on Wednesday, and away-and-home against Cal State San Marcos, a team that is now 6-1, Feb 11-12.
The Red River-Sooner Conference challenge that was scheduled at Northwood (TX) was cancelled due to weather, depriving Lubbock Christianand Oklahoma Cityof their season openers. The Chaparrals are now scheduled to host BellevueFeb. 11-12; the Stars will host Sterling Feb. 11-12. However, LSU-Shreveportmanaged to schedule a triple-header against Lindenwood, and the result was three losses, 9-8, 7-4, and 7-6. CF Mario Parra had five hits in nine at-bats for the day for the Lions. The Pilots host Southern Arkansas on Tuesday, and BelhavenFeb. 11-12.
#1 Faulknerwent 2-2 on the weekend, making their record 5-2. They split two games with #4 Missouri Baptist,winning 5-4, and losing 4-3. In the first game, DH Randy Joung, who reached on an error, scored the winning run on a balk by Carl Jameson in the bottom of the sixth of a seven-inning game. Labradford Griffis got a save; he struck out RF Enrique Pagan in the top of the seventh with the tying run at third base. 2B Jeff Smith hit a solo home run in the second inning for the winning run in the second game. Ryan Stapp got the win; he combined with two other pitchers to hold the Eagles to four hits.
The Eagles' other loss was to #15 Lindsey Wilson, 4-1. The Eagles held a 1-0 lead going into the seventh inning, but several errors in the seventh allowed the Blue Raiders to win it. LHP Jason Turner went the seven-inning distance for the Blue Raiders, allowed five hits. Jeremy Holcombe, who allowed only three hits, and struck out seven, got the loss.
The Eagles finished the weekend with a 7-4 win over #10 Cumberland. LHP Thomas Dorminy went the seven-inning distance for the Eagles, allowed two earned runs on four hits, struck out eight. LF Esteban Paula went 2-for-2 with two RBI.
The Eagles visit Blue Mountain Feb. 14-15.
Missouri Baptist is 1-3; they lost 6-5 (12 innings) to Lindsey Wilson, and 5-4 to Cumberland. Derek Shugart hit an RBI triple in the 12th for the win for the Blue Raiders. Sam Ross got the win, pitched five innings in relief. DH Richie Seaton hit a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning to win it for Cumberland. The Bulldogs out-hit the Spartans 11-5, and SS Josciel Veras went 3-for-3 with two RBI for the Bulldogs. The Spartans play Campbellsville Feb. 13, Saint Francis Feb. 14, and Belhaven Feb. 15; all three games are at Belhaven.
The Blue Raiders split a double-header with Auburn-Montgomerythe following day, making their record 3-4. They visit Point Feb. 14-15.
The Bulldogs also split a double-header with Auburn-Montgomery, making their record 2-2. They host Union U. (TN) Feb. 11, and Taylor Feb. 14-15. The Warhawks are 5-3, and they visit Brewton-Parker Feb. 14-15.
A four-team tournament at #2 Lewis-Clark State was cancelled by snow. They host Division II Montana State-Billings Feb. 14-16.
Concordia-Irvinehas started the season 3-0, with an easy win over Simpson, and a double-header sweep of Arizona Christian, 6-3 and 10-7. C/DH Chris Kuber is batting .600 for the Eagles, Blake Harrison, Brent Clapper, and Thomas Hoenshell got the wins. The defending champions don't play again until Feb. 8, at Division II Cal State-Los Angeles.
Auburn-Montgomery hosted a round-robin event with four ranked teams, and the result was a draw. The Warhawks (they are no longer the Senators), Embry-Riddle,and Tennessee Wesleyan went 2-2, and Southern Polytechnicwent 1-1. The best game of the event was probably the first one, a 2-1 win for the Warhawks over Embry-Riddle. Story at Auburn-Montgomery site: Dugan's Walk-Off Gives Warhawks Split with No. 5 Embry-Riddle. Enbry-Riddle got a complete seven-inning game from Chad Modomo in a 5-2 win over Tennessee Wesleyan; it was Modomo's first start for the Eagles. The Warhawks host Webber International Feb. 3, and Southeaster Feb. 4. The Eagles host Florida MemorialFeb. 3-4.
Belhaven swept three games against Blue Mountain, 4-0, 6-3, and 15-4. Geoffrey Thomas, Matthew Shaw, and Robert Marzoni combined for a four-hit shutout in the first game. Thomas, a transfer from Southern Mississippi, pitched six shutout innings, allowed one hit, struck out five. The Blazers host TougalooJan. 31, and visit LSU-AlexandriaFeb. 3-4.
Wayland Baptistswept four games against U. Of the Southwest,6-2, 5-4, 3-1, and 6-3. The Pioneers score three runs in the bottom of the seventh to win the second game; freshman LF Colton Palmer hit a two-RBI single, and freshman SS Bernie Rosario hit a walk-off RBI double. The Pioneers will be playing at the Arizona Desert Classic in Anthem, AZ Feb. 2-4, with College of Idaho, Fresno Pacific, Lewis-Clark State, and Point Loma Nazarene.
More teams with good starts: Loyola-New Orleansis 4-0, Emmanuelis 3-0.
Cal State-San Marcosinitiated their on-campus ballpark with an 8-7 win over Vanguardon Friday. The Cougars and Lions split a double-header at Vanguard on Saturday; the Lions won the first game 2-1, and the Cougars won the nightcap 7-2.
Friday's game drew a crowd of 787. They saw the Cougars trailing 7-4 going into the bottom of the ninth. They got a run on a passed ball, followed by a two-RBI single by LF Anthony Renteria to tie it. Courtesy runner Cory McCloskey scored the winning run on a single by SS Johnny Omahen. Mitch Ferguson, who pitched two perfect innings for the Cougars, got the win in relief; Mike Leal got the loss. Omahen hit a home run earlier in the game. Story from CSUSM site: Omahen, Holtman, Cougar Fans All Heroes in Thrilling Debut Win at CSUSM Baseball Field
In Saturday's first game, Lions starter Antonio Peraza went 7 2/3 innings, struck out ten, allowed one run. Cougars starter Matt Kretchmer went 7 1/3 innings, allowed only one hit, and the only run scored on him was unearned. The Lions won it in the bottom of the ninth on an RBI single by 1B Kyle Hardman. Robert Purpura, who retired all four batters he faced, got the win; Kyle Smart got the loss.
In the second game, the Cougars got a complete seven-inning game from Brett Miller, who allowed one earned run on six hits. The winning run came on the fourth inning on a two-RBI double by DH Mike Mecucci. The Lions left the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh. Starter Gabriel Garcia got the loss. Story from CSUSM site: Kretchmer, Miller Both Outstanding in Road Split with Vanguard
Oklahoma Citygot a 17-6 mid-week win against Briar Cliff, then swept a three-game series against Lubbock Christian, 1-0, 5-3, and 7-4, giving the Chaparrals their first losses of the season. Corey Theriot pitched a complet-game shutout in the first game, allowed four hits, struck out five. 2B/3B Dearth Parker hit an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth to score the only run of the game. Paul Gonzalez, who pitched a complete game for the Chaparrals, got the loss. In the second game, the Stars lit up Chaparral starter Lucas Whitmore for five runs in the first two innings, and the Chaparrals left the bases loaded three times. Allen Townsend got the win. Story from Oklahoma City site: Stars finish off Lubbock Christian 1-0, 5-3. The Stars trailed the third game most of the way, but scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth, led by a two-RBI triple by CF Ruben Sosa. The Stars were also helped by two Chaparral errors in the inning. Rich Hawkins got the win in relief; he went five innings, allowed two runs on three hits. Story from Oklahoma City site: Stars sweep Lubbock Christian with 7-4 win.
The Stars and Chaparrals will not meet again until the Sooner Conference tournament. The three losses dropped the Chaparrals to 14-3. The Chaparrals visit Kansas Wesleyan on Tuesday, host York(8-6) on Wednesday, and host Rogers State (17-1) March 11-12.
The Stars finished the week with a 22-8 win over Iowa Wesleyan, to run their record to 15-2. SS Kirk Walker, 1B Austin Messerli, and CF Terrance Jackson hit home runs. The Stars play one more game against Iowa Wesleyan on Tuesday, host Northwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday, and visit Northwestern Oklahoma State on March 12.
The NAIA Coaches' Poll for April 8, 2014, with Boyd Nation's ISR ranking. Locations for the Opening Round tournaments appear at the end of this article.
RANK |
ISR |
LAST |
SCHOOL |
2014 |
TOTAL |
1 |
13 |
1 |
Oklahoma Baptist |
36-6 |
552 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
Lewis-Clark State (ID) |
32-5 |
541 |
3 |
8 |
3 |
Faulkner (AL) |
36-10 |
526 |
4 |
9 |
5 |
Georgia Gwinnett |
40-6 |
513 |
5 |
2 |
6 |
San Diego Christian (CA) |
34-13 |
465 |
6 |
14 |
3 |
Missouri Baptist |
33-7 |
462 |
7 |
11 |
7 |
Georgetown C. (KY) |
31-6 |
457 |
8 |
12 |
9 |
Oklahoma Wesleyan |
39-6 |
448 |
9 |
23 |
8 |
LSU Shreveport (LA) |
36-11 |
425 |
10 |
26 |
12 |
Oklahoma City |
28-12 |
386 |
11 |
17 |
15 |
Brewton-Parker (GA) |
27-9 |
380 |
12 |
6 |
17 |
The Master's (CA) |
33-12 |
352 |
13 |
20 |
16 |
Doane (NE) |
32-7 |
335 |
14 |
21 |
10 |
Tabor (KS) |
35-10 |
313 |
15 |
25 |
13 |
Embry-Riddle (FL) |
31-16 |
300 |
16 |
4 |
18 |
Concordia-Irvine (CA) |
31-14 |
294 |
17 |
15 |
RV |
Southern Polytechnic (GA) |
32-14 |
255 |
18 |
47 |
22 |
Mount Vernon Nazarene (OH) |
28-5 |
230 |
19 |
28 |
20 |
Southeastern (FL) |
35-14 |
210 |
20 |
29 |
24 |
Northwestern (IA) |
28-8 |
188 |
21 |
30 |
19 |
Bellevue (NE) |
26-13-2 |
183 |
22 |
40 |
25 |
Point Park (PA) |
31-12 |
182 |
23 |
24 |
11 |
Belhaven (MS) |
32-14 |
179 |
24 |
7 |
14 |
Vanguard (CA) |
27-16 |
173 |
25 |
37 |
RV |
Sterling (KS) |
32-13 |
134 |
|
3 |
|
British Columbia |
25-11 |
|
|
5 |
|
Westmont (CA) |
34-14 |
|
|
10 |
|
Cal State San Marcos |
34-14 |
|
|
16 |
|
Concordia-Portland (OR) |
22-18 |
|
|
18 |
|
C. of Idaho |
25-19 |
|
|
19 |
|
Corban (OR) |
26-19 |
|
|
22 |
|
Cumberland (TN) |
29-16 |
|
First place votes:Oklahoma Baptist 12, Lewis-Clark State 5, Faulkner 2, Georgia Gwinnett 1
Westmont (ISR #5) is #1 in Strength of Schedule
#1 Oklahoma Baptistdefeated Division II East Central 23-4, and swept Mid America Christian, 15-2, 15-1, and 11-0. All four games were mercy-ruled. Move along, folks, nothing to see here.
Matt Page has batted in 57 runs for the Bison, and Page and Steven Knudson have hit nine home runs apiece. The Bison now lead the Sooner Athletic Conference by ½ game over #10 Oklahoma City. The Bison visit Southwestern Assemblies of God April 17-18.
#2 Lewis-Clark State swept Simpson, 14-0, 9-4, 15-6, and 13-1. Not much to see here, either; Simpson is 1-39, and the first and fourth games were mercy-ruled. Michael Noteware and J.T. Kaul combined for the shutout in the first game. The second game was tied 3-3 after seven innings, but the Warriors pulled away with four runs in the eighth inning. An RBI double by pinch-hitter Chris Walker brought in the winning run. Carsen Nylund got the win.
Noteware's record is 5-0, 0.88 ERA, 53 K. The Warriors have have won 14 straight, and have clinched the NAIA West pennant. (They don't compete in the NAIA West tournament.) The Warriors concluded their home season against a good Corban team (ISR #19) April 18-19.
The NAIA Coaches' poll for April 17, 2012, with Boyd Nation's Iterative Strength Rating (ISR):
RANK |
ISR |
LAST |
SCHOOL |
2012 |
TOTAL |
1 |
4 |
1 |
LSU Shreveport |
37-4 |
558 |
2 |
7 |
3 |
Oklahoma City |
32-7 |
530 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
Lee (TN) |
42-8-1 |
529 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
Azusa Pacific (CA) |
33-8 |
501 |
5 |
6 |
4 |
Faulkner (AL) |
41-9 |
497 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
Tennessee Wesleyan |
34-9 |
454 |
7 |
15 |
7 |
Oklahoma Baptist |
34-9 |
444 |
8 |
8 |
6 |
Embry-Riddle (FL) |
34-13 |
427 |
9 |
22 |
10 |
Point Park (PA) |
36-7 |
410 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
Lewis-Clark State (ID) |
31-10 |
389 |
11 |
10 |
13 |
Lindsey Wilson (KY) |
35-10 |
381 |
12 |
3 |
11 |
Concordia-Irvine (CA) |
27-14 |
370 |
13 |
14 |
12 |
St. Thomas (FL) |
33-10 |
368 |
14 |
13 |
18 |
Georgetown C. (KY) |
37-8 |
285 |
15 |
17 |
24 |
Shorter (GA) |
35-12 |
261 |
16 |
11 |
19 |
The Master's (CA) |
29-15 |
257 |
17 |
21 |
20 |
Taylor (IN) |
29-11 |
255 |
18 |
42 |
14 |
Lubbock Christian (TX) |
26-15 |
248 |
19 |
18 |
22 |
South Carolina-Beaufort |
31-14 |
247 |
20 |
44 |
23 |
Judson (IL) |
34-9 |
231 |
21 |
54 |
21 |
Freed-Hardeman (TN) |
31-17 |
205 |
22 |
16 |
16 |
Auburn Montgomery (AL) |
31-20 |
198 |
23 |
30 |
15 |
Avila (MO) |
29-8 |
155 |
24 |
29 |
RV |
C. of Idaho |
32-12 |
130 |
25 |
23 |
RV |
Rogers State (OK) |
33-12 |
112 |
|
12 |
|
Cal State-San Marcos |
22-17 |
|
|
19 |
|
Biola (CA) |
18-22 |
|
|
20 |
|
Vanguard (CA) |
18-16 |
|
|
24 |
|
Tabor |
32-8 |
|
|
25 |
|
Texas Wesleyan |
33-15 |
|
First place votes: LSU-Shreveport 18, Azusa Pacific 2
Azusa Pacific is #1 in Strength of Schedule
LSU-Shreveport (19-4 RRAC) won two of three close games against Texas-Brownsville, 1-2, 8-7, and 10-9. The loss ended a 16-game winning streak, and was Jared Mortensen's first loss of the season. Zach Armstrong went the seven-inning distance for the Scorpions, allowed only three hits, struck out six. (Mortensen allowed four hits, struck out ten.) 2B Scott Frasier hit a sacrifice fly for the winning run for the Scorpions. SS Manny Estrada hit a home run to win the second game, and he drew a bases-loaded walk to send in the winning run in the third game. The Pilots visit William Carey April 18, host Texas Wesleyan April 20-21, and close their regular season at Division III Centenary April 24. -14. The Pilots lead the Red River Athletic Conference, and can clinch the pennant with one win against Texas Wesleyan.
NAIA coaches' poll for April 19, 2016, with Boyd Nation's ISR. Recaps below.
RANK |
ISR |
PRVS |
SCHOOL |
RECORD |
TOTAL |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Georgia Gwinnett |
43-4 |
486 |
2 |
8 |
3 |
Bellevue (NE) |
34-6 |
481 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
Faulkner (AL) |
38-10 |
462 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
Lewis-Clark State (ID) |
36-7 |
451 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
South Carolina- Beaufort |
36-6 |
437 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
Tennessee Wesleyan |
33-9 |
425 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
Westmont (CA) |
35-7 |
408 |
8 |
5 |
8 |
Auburn Montgomery (AL) |
34-12 |
384 |
9 |
19 |
11 |
Vanguard (CA) |
34-9-1 |
353 |
10 |
48 |
9 |
Jamestown (ND) |
39-4 |
344 |
11 |
20 |
12 |
Tabor (KS) |
34-13 |
342 |
12 |
17 |
10 |
Missouri Baptist |
34-10 |
322 |
13 |
9 |
14 |
Middle Georgia State |
36-11 |
318 |
14 |
13 |
18 |
York (NE) |
34-11 |
277 |
15 |
34 |
16 |
Freed-Hardeman (TN) |
34-11 |
272 |
16 |
15 |
19 |
Campbellsville (KY) |
30-12 |
267 |
17 |
23 |
20 |
Sterling (KS) |
36-11 |
232 |
18 |
12 |
17 |
Bryan (TN) |
32-13 |
225 |
19 |
14 |
21 |
Davenport (MI) |
28-9 |
215 |
20 |
37 |
RV |
Texas Wesleyan |
31-14 |
177 |
21 |
11 |
22 |
William Carey (MS) |
31-15 |
156 |
22 |
21 |
23 |
Science & Arts (OK) |
35-10 |
151 |
23 |
10 |
RV |
Keiser (FL) |
30-16 |
138 |
24 |
16 |
25 |
Lindsey Wilson (KY) |
32-17 |
130 |
25 |
27 |
RV |
IU Southeast (IN) |
27-11 |
103 |
|
18 |
|
Saint Thomas (FL) |
28-18 |
|
|
22 |
|
Southeastern (FL) |
30-17 |
|
|
24 |
|
Webber International (FL) |
30-17 |
|
|
25 |
|
Madonna (MI) |
23-14 |
|
The NAIA Coaches' Top 25 for April 26, with Boyd Nation's ISR rankings. Recap below the fold:
RANK |
LAST |
ISR |
SCHOOL |
2011 |
TOTAL |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Embry-Riddle (FL) (17) |
43-8 |
588 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
Oklahoma City (3) |
38-8 |
569 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
California Baptist |
38-11 |
547 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
Lee (TN) (1) |
44-10 |
532 |
5 |
7 |
3 |
Cumberland (TN) |
39-12 |
526 |
6 |
9 |
9 |
Auburn-Montgomery (AL) |
40-15 |
481 |
7 |
6 |
12 |
Oklahoma Baptist |
35-11 |
460 |
8 |
8 |
13 |
Union C. (Ky.) |
40-9 |
457 |
9 |
5 |
14 |
LSU-Shreveport (LA) |
38-13 |
428 |
10 |
11 |
7 |
Lubbock Christian (TX) |
38-10 |
412 |
11 |
11 |
15 |
Missouri Baptist |
35-9 |
402 |
12 |
10 |
17 |
Biola (CA) |
30-17 |
393 |
13 |
19 |
6 |
Faulkner (AL) |
42-10 |
350 |
14 |
18 |
11 |
Lewis-Clark State (ID) |
30-13 |
344 |
15 |
14 |
10 |
Fresno Pacific (CA) |
27-16 |
331 |
16 |
13 |
8 |
Brewton-Parker (GA) |
32-14 |
281 |
17 |
16 |
18 |
Northwood (TX) |
35-14 |
280 |
18 |
20 |
21 |
Rogers State (OK) |
41-10 |
275 |
19 |
22 |
20 |
Southern Polytechnic (GA) |
39-13 |
239 |
20 |
14 |
19 |
British Columbia |
27-14 |
206 |
21 |
23 |
35 |
Tabor (KS) |
40-9 |
190 |
22 |
25 |
23 |
Belhaven (MS) |
39-15 |
143 |
23 |
RV |
39 |
Culver-Stockton (MO) |
35-13 |
129 |
24 |
RV |
16 |
Trevecca Nazarene (TN) |
32-19 |
123 |
25 |
RV |
56 |
Point Park (PA) |
32-9 |
98 |
|
|
22 |
Union U. (TN) |
33-12 |
|
|
|
24 |
Concordia-Irvine (CA) |
29-16 |
|
|
|
25 |
C. of Idaho |
29-15 |
|
First place votes:Embry-Riddle 17, Oklahoma City 3, Lee 1
NAIA coaches' poll for April 28, 2015, with Boyd Nation's ISR. Recaps below.
RANK |
ISR |
PRVS |
SCHOOL |
2015 |
TOTAL |
1 |
32 |
2 |
Georgia Gwinnett |
43-9 |
576 |
2 |
20 |
3 |
Oklahoma City |
38-10 |
568 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
Oklahoma Baptist |
45-4 |
544 |
4 |
9 |
5 |
Northwood (FL) |
39-10 |
521 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
Davenport (MI) |
44-6 |
495 |
6 |
14 |
6 |
Oklahoma Wesleyan |
43-10 |
489 |
7 |
6 |
8 |
Tennessee Wesleyan |
37-10 |
485 |
8 |
2 |
8 |
The Master's (CA) |
41-10 |
467 |
9 |
13 |
10 |
Tabor (KS) |
46-9 |
443 |
10 |
8 |
1 |
Faulkner (AL) |
42-12 |
437 |
11 |
17 |
15 |
Auburn Montgomery (AL) |
36-16 |
389 |
12 |
1 |
13 |
Lewis-Clark State (ID) |
40-10 |
382 |
13 |
41 |
12 |
LSU Shreveport (LA) |
40-12 |
357 |
14 |
5 |
11 |
Westmont (CA) |
37-13 |
352 |
15 |
16 |
16 |
Northwestern Ohio |
37-10 |
310 |
16 |
11 |
17 |
Bellevue (NE) |
41-12 |
303 |
17 |
24 |
20 |
Sterling (KS) |
44-11 |
294 |
18 |
18 |
18 |
Embry-Riddle (FL) |
32-16 |
265 |
19 |
19 |
14 |
Campbellsville (KY) |
27-9 |
252 |
20 |
29 |
21 |
St. Thomas (FL) |
38-13 |
218 |
21 |
3 |
19 |
Concordia (CA) |
40-14 |
212 |
22 |
21 |
23 |
Mount Vernon Nazarene (OH) |
30-8 |
181 |
23 |
34 |
22 |
Freed-Hardeman (TN) |
33-12 |
180 |
24 |
37 |
24 |
Point Park (PA) |
36-11 |
146 |
25 |
36 |
25 |
William Woods (MO) |
35-10 |
115 |
|
10 |
|
British Columbia |
27-16 |
|
|
12 |
|
Vanguard (CA) |
36-18 |
|
|
15 |
|
Concordia-Portland (OR) |
29-21 |
|
|
22 |
|
Lindsey Wilson (KY) |
35-18 |
|
|
23 |
|
York (NE) |
42-15 |
|
|
25 |
|
Missouri Baptist |
35-10 |
|
The NAIA Coaches' poll for April 30, with Boyd Nation's ISR ranking. Recap below the fold.
RANK |
ISR |
LAST |
SCHOOL |
RECORD |
TOTAL |
1 |
9 |
1 |
Oklahoma City |
44-10 |
524 |
2 |
7 |
2 |
Faulkner (AL) |
44-10 |
516 |
3 |
6 |
4 |
Lee (TN) |
43-10 |
486 |
4 |
16 |
3 |
Northwood (TX) |
38-10 |
481 |
5 |
31 |
5 |
Lubbock Christian (TX) |
39-14 |
455 |
6 |
11 |
6 |
Embry-Riddle (FL) |
40-12 |
445 |
7 |
1 |
8 |
The Master’s (CA) |
37-15 |
422 |
8 |
14 |
9 |
Tennessee Wesleyan |
39-15 |
401 |
9 |
20 |
12 |
Bellevue (NE) |
44-7-1 |
396 |
10 |
2 |
7 |
Lewis-Clark State (ID) |
38-13 |
380 |
11 |
22 |
10 |
York (NE) |
39-10 |
348 |
12 |
5 |
13 |
Cal State San Marcos |
32-10 |
320 |
13 |
13 |
11 |
Cumberland (TN) |
38-17 |
317 |
14 |
3 |
14 |
Concordia-Irvine (CA) |
33-17 |
308 |
15 |
30 |
15 |
Oklahoma Baptist |
39-16 |
289 |
16 |
32 |
16 |
Missouri Baptist |
31-9 |
268 |
17 |
26 |
17 |
Texas Wesleyan |
39-13 |
260 |
18 |
43 |
18 |
Sterling (KS) |
42-12 |
219 |
19 |
21 |
24 |
Madonna (MI) |
33-7 |
193 |
20 |
19 |
19 |
Georgetown (KY) |
35-17 |
188 |
21 |
55 |
25 |
Point Park (PA) |
38-13 |
166 |
22 |
46 |
20 |
Lyon (AR) |
41-13 |
161 |
23 |
12 |
22 |
Lindsey Wilson (KY) |
41-16 |
155 |
24 |
23 |
RV |
William Carey (MS) |
33-20 |
112 |
25 |
29 |
RV |
Science & Arts (OK) |
38-16 |
92 |
|
4 |
|
San Diego Christian (CA) |
35-16 |
|
|
8 |
|
Arizona Christian |
28-21 |
|
|
10 |
|
Menlo (CA) |
30-17 |
|
|
15 |
|
Westmont (CA) |
24-26 |
|
|
17 |
|
British Columbia |
25-16 |
|
|
18 |
|
Vanguard (CA) |
22-27 |
|
|
24 |
|
Biola (CA) |
25-26 |
|
|
25 |
|
Southern Polytechnic (GA) |
37-17 |
|
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