Georgia Gwinnett

#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.

Players from NAIA schools taken in the 2019 Major League Baseball draft:

Results from the fifth day of the NAIA Baseball National Championship in Lewiston, ID.

Hope International 15, Georgia Gwinnett 11 (Georgia Gwinnett eliminated). The was two different ball games. The Grizzlies totally dominated the first five innings. They scored in every inning except the fourth, and the first two Royals pitchers, David Rudd-Grow and Josh Landry, were unable to keep the Grizzlies off the base paths. The Grizzlies got five runs in the bottom of the second, capped with a two-RBI double by Henry Daniels. They added two runs in the third with a home run by Joe Quelch and a sacrifice fly by Braxton Meguiar. They got three runs in the fifth on RBI singles by Meguiar and Daniels, and an RBI on a fielder’s choice by Jackson Cobb. However, the Royals brought in Chandler De Jong to relieve Landry after the single by Meguiar. He got out of the inning with the Grizzlies leading 11-5, but the Grizzlies didn’t score again. De Jong got two ground outs and a strikeout for a clean sixth inning, and turned the ball over to submariner Steven Ordorica, who went the rest of the way, allowed one hit, and didn’t walk a batter.

It was still 11-5 going into the eighth inning, but the Royals got some breaks. The eighth inning started with a home run by Derek Sims. Ryan Maciel followed with a single, but he was caught off first base after a popup, and there were two outs. Amari Bartee got the two-out rally started with a double, then scored on a double by David Rivera. The Grizzlies brought in Jeremiah Locklear to pitch. He walked the first batter he faced, Alex Moreno. The next batter, J.J. Cruz, hit a fly ball down the left field line that was touched by a fielder, and initially ruled a foul ball. After a longvideo review, the call was reversed; Cruz was awarded second base, Moreno third base, and Rivera a run. After Locklear got behind 3-0 to the next batter, Austin Testerman was brought in to pitch. He threw a wild pitch, and Moreno scored. The inning ended with the Royals trailing by only 11-9.

Results from the fourth day of the NAIA Baseball National Championship in Lewiston, ID.

Hope International 8, Arizona Christian 1 (Arizona Christian eliminated). The Royals, behind the pitching of Justin Drury, dominated this all-Golden State Athletic Conference matchup. Drury pitched eight innings, allowed four hits, struck out three, threw 113 pitches, and didn’t allow a run until the seventh inning.

The Royals got all the runs they needed in the top of the first inning, with a two-RBI double by J.J. Cruz. In the top of the fourth, Amari Bartee hit a single, and Alex Moreno hit a double. The next batter was Cruz, and with two out, runners on second and third, and Cruz being dangerous throughout the tournament, the Firestorm intentionally walked him. Not a bad idea. Problem was, Firestorm pitcher Eli Elliott walked the next batter, giving the Royals their third run. Elliott then made a pickoff attempt to third base, but the throw ended up in left field foul territory, almost to the fence. All three baserunners scored, and the Royals led 6-0 after 3 1/2 innings.

The Firestorm missed a good chance to get on the board in the bottom of the fourth. With two out and a runner on second, Matthew Beckworth hit a hard line drive that appeared to be going into center field. However, Cruz, at second base, made a great catch to end the inning. The Firestorm finally ended the shutout in the bottom of the seventh, when Deshon Thomas came home from third base on a ground out. The Royals completed the scoring with Ryan Maciel scoring on a wild pitch in the eighth inning, and David Rivera hitting an RBI double in the ninth.

Elliott got the loss, pitched four innings, allowed three earned runs on six hits, struck out five. Drury is now 10-0. Rivera and Moreno both finished 2-for-4. Beckworth had three of the Firestorm’s five hits, one of them a double. Box score

Results from the third day of the NAIA Baseball National Championship in Lewiston, ID.

Southeastern 12, U. of the Cumberlands 5 (U. of the Cumberlands eliminated). The Fire led all the way, but it was close – 7-5 after six innings – until the Fire put it away with five runs in the bottom of the eighth, including two-RBI singles by Alfonso Villalobos and Chayce Bryant. Tommy Davis went 3-for-4 with two doubles for the Fire. Charlie Muñiz and Ben Snapp hit home runs for the Patriots. Starter Robb Adams got the win, pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowed four runs on five hits, struck out three. Jake Cohen, who allowed one hit over the final three innings, got a save. Starter Kailen Hamson got the loss. Box score

Hope International 12, Indiana Southeast 1 (Indiana Southeast eliminated). J.J. Cruz reached base every time he came to bat; 4-for-4 with two home runs, and a walk. David Rivera also hit two home runs, and Alex Moreno hit a home run. Trey Seeley pitched eight innings, allowed zero runs on three hits, struck out 11, threw 119 pitches. Box score

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.

Schedule for the first two days of the 64^th NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 28-June 4, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

8:30 AM: #8Keiser(36-16) vs. #9LSU-Shreveport (44-14)

Keiser (West Palm Beach, FL) is making their second trip to the Baseball National Championship. The first one was in 2017, and they went 1-2. Twitter: @KeiserBaseball
Nickname: Seahawks
Rankings: #17 in coaches' poll, #9 in Boyd Nation's ISR. Strength of Schedule: #10
Quality wins:3-0 vs. South Carolina-Beaufort, 3-3 vs. Saint Thomas, 2-0 vs. Oklahoma City
Top position players: 3B Tim Bouchard (.403, 16 HR, 67 RBI), OF Matthew Catalfo (.389, 7 HR, 62 RBI), OF Ben McConnell (.356, 6 HR, 40 RBI), SS Mason Dineson (.330, 10 HR, 53 RBI), C Zach Mazur (.253, 14 HR, 53 RBI)
Top Pitchers: RHP Pablo Arevalo (9-3, 1.38 ERA, 114 K), RHP James Reynolds (7-3, 3.65 ERA, 57 K), RHP Deykel Reyes (8-1, 5.52 ERA, 72 K). Arevalo's 1.38 ERA is third-best in the NAIA. He has pitched 117 innings, which is the most in the NAIA.
Coach: Brook Fordyce, fourth season
Outlook:The Seahawks are not at the same level as the top four teams in this tournament.

Louisiana State-Shreveport is making their fourth trip to the Baseball National Championship. The most recent one was 2012, and they finished third. Twitter: @LSUS_Baseball
Nickname: Pilots
Rankings: #25 in coaches' poll, #11 in ISR. SoS: #24
Quality wins:Central Methodist, 2-2 vs. Oklahoma City, Mobile, 2-0 vs. Point Park
Top position players: 3B Payton Robertson (.417, 7 HR, 56 RBI), OF Kody Kolb (.408, 45 RBI), DH Taylor Fajardo (.345, 15 HR, 43 RBI)
Top Pitchers: RHP Trent Sholders (6-1, 3.04 ERA, 30 K), LHP Josh Fortenberry (8-2, 3.23 ERA, 63 K), RHP Sebastian Selway (6-3, 3.36 ERA, 86 K), RHP Kevin Miranda (6-3, 5.30 ERA, 70 K), RHP Luisdiego Quintana (4-3, 5.12 ERA, 70 K)
Coach: Brad Neffendorf, second season
Outlook:Either the Pilots or the Seahawks will get a win.

Schedule for the first two days of the 65^th NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 27-June 3, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

Friday, 8:30 AM: #8 seed Georgia Gwinnett (45-14) vs. #9 MidAmerica Nazarene (39-16)

Georgia Gwinnett (Lawrenceville, GA) is making their fifth trip to Lewiston. They are the defending champions. They won the Continental Athletic Conference tournament. Twitter: @GGC_Baseball
Nickname: Grizzlies
Rankings:#10 in coaches' poll, #30 in Boyd Nation's Iterative Strength Rating. Strength of Schedule: #94 (lowest in tournament)
Quality wins: 3-1 vs. Northwestern Ohio, U. of the Cumberlands, 1-1 vs. Webber International
Top position players: IF Braxton Megular (.394, 50 RBI), 3B Jake Defries (.324, 47 RBI), C Austin Bates (.377, 44 RBI), OF Livingston Morris (.327, 18 HR, 65 RBI), OF Blaze O'Saben (.372, 31 RBI), DH J.D. Stubbs (.340, 55 RBI)
Top pitchers:RHP Kevin Kyle (6-0, 1.41 ERA, 64 K), LHP Tyler Clayton (5-1, 1.99 ERA, 66 K), RHP Rob Hamby (8-2, 2.75 ERA, 80 K), RHP Gavin Heltemes (7-1, 3.31 ERA, 84 K)
Coach:Jeremy Sheetinger, third season
Outlook: The Grizzlies won't be repeat champions.

MidAmerica Nazarene (Olathe, KS) is making their first appearance in the Baseball National Championship. They finished first on the South Division of the Heart of America Conference. Twitter: @mnusports
Nickname:Pioneers
Rankings:Unranked in coaches' poll, #15 in ISR. SoS: #28

Quality wins:4-3 vs. Central Methodist, Freed-Hardeman, 2-0 vs. Oklahoma City
Top position players: OF Josh Torrance (.379, 7 HR, 40 RBI), 1B/RHP Noah Castillo (.375, 7 HR, 46 RBI, and 7-1, 6.71 ERA, 63 K on the mound), SS Brycen Sherwood (.339, 11 HR, 40 RBI), C Joshuan Sandoval (.307, 15 HR, 50 RBI), 3B Dionathan Cornett (.321, 9 HR, 50 RBI)
Top pitchers:RHP Nathan Torres (1-0, 0.74 ERA, 43 K, 14saves), RHP Zach Trevino (10-3, 3.88 ERA, 108K), LHP Kristian Hurtado (7-3, 4.61 ERA, 61 K), RHP Eric Navarette (5-5, 5.42 ERA, 80 K)
Coach:Ryan Thompson, 16^th season
Outlook: Happy to be here.

Schedule for the first two days of the 66th NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 26-June 2, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

Friday, 8:35 AM: #10 seed MidAmerica Nazarene (34-26) vs. #7 Taylor (40-15)

MidAmerica Nazarene (Olathe, KS) is making their second appearance in the Baseball National Championship. They went 0-2 last year. They were runners-up in the Heart of America Conference tournament. Twitter: @mnusports
Nickname:Pioneers
Rankings:Unranked in coaches' poll, #67 in Boyd Nation's Iterative Strength Rating (ISR). Strength of Schedule: #65
Quality wins:3-2 vs. Central Methodist, Morningside, 2-1 vs. LSU-Shreveport
Top position players: 1B/RHP Noah Castillo (.357, 11 HR, 45 RBI, and 1-6, 7.45 ERA, 26 K on the mound), SS Brycen Sherwood (.304, 10 HR, 37 RBI), IF Javier Melendez (Salinas, Puerto Rico; .350, 8 HR, 47 RBI), OF Sean Maple (.300, 8 HR, 36 RBI), 3B Dionathan Cornet (San Nicolas, Aruba; .282, 9 HR, 43 RBI)
Top pitchers:RHP Reece Holland (Moose Jaw, SK; 5-0, 3.52 ERA, 25 K), RHP Zach Trevino (9-2, 4.06 ERA, 98 K), LHP Kristian Hurtado (3-1, 3.58 ERA, 30 K), RHP Tyler Frieders (10-5, 4.85 ERA, 96 K)
Coach:Ryan Thompson, 17th season
Outlook: The Pioneers have improved their pitching since last year, but it might not be enough to come home with a win.

Taylor (Upland, IN) is making their second appearance in the Baseball National Championship; the previous one was in 1969. They won the Crossroads League regular season championship. Twitter: @taylorbaseball
Nickname:Trojans
Rankings:#19 in coaches' poll, #27 in ISR. SoS: #64
Quality wins:Benedictine-Mesa, Kansas Wesleyan, 4-0 vs. Indiana Wesleyan
Top position players:RHP/OF Kaleb Kolpien (.431, 6 HR, 51 RBI), C Ben Kalbaugh (.346, 7 HR, 46 RBI), 1B Cade Vander Molen (.305, 13 HR, 58 RBI), C/OF T.J. Bass (.281, 18 HR, 56 RBI). Kolpien's average is the 17^th highest in the NAIA.
Top pitchers:RHP Jack Ross (6-0, 2.89 ERA, 51 K, 8 saves), RHP Matt Dutkowski (7-2, 3.35 ERA, 81 K), RHP Alec Holcomb (6-2, 4.64 ERA, 66 K), RHP Dalton Swinehart (4-1, 5.45 ERA, 72 K)
Coach:Kyle Gould, 19th season
Outlook:The Trojans should win a game.

Schedule for the first two days of the 67th NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 24-31, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

Friday, 8:35 AM: #8 seed Kansas Wesleyan (48-10) vs. #9 Arizona Christian (36-19)

Kansas Wesleyan (Salina) is making their first trip to the Baseball National Championship. They won the regular season championship of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference by a four-game margin. Twitter: @KWUBaseball
Nickname:Coyotes
Rankings:#20 in coaches' poll
Quality wins:3-0 vs. Tabor, Concordia-Nebraska, LSU-Shreveport
Top position players:SS Jarrett Gable (.386, 19 HR, 76 RBI), C Tyler Favretto (Montreal; .358, 17 HR, 57 RBI), OF Kendall Foster (.353, 23 HR, 61 RBI), OF Jacob Williamson (.323, 17 HR, 58 RBI), 3B Reece Bishop (.315, 13 HR, 56 RBI)
Top pitchers:RHP Jarrett Brannen (11-1, 3.94 ERA, 77 K), RHP Brett Maddock (9-2, 5.35 ERA, 75 K), RHP K.T. Gearlds (2-0, 0.99 ERA, 40 K), RHP Ritter Steinmann (2-1, 1.99 ERA, 49 K)
Coach:Bill Neale, tenth season
Outlook:Will be fortunate to get a win. And if they get by Arizona Christian, their next game will be against Southeastern.

Arizona Christian (Glendale) is making their first trip to the Baseball National Championship. They finished third in the Golden State Athletic Conference. Twitter: @ACUBaseball1
Nickname:Firestorm
Rankings:Unranked in coaches' poll
Quality wins:Tennessee Wesleyan, Oklahoma City, Lewis-Clark State, British Columbia
Top position players: OF Marques Titialii (.384, 24HR, 83 RBI), OF Andrew Ivy (.344, 8 HR, 43 RBI), 1B/LHP Trey Tarver (.343, 12 HR, 44 RBI, and 0-6, 5.18 ERA, 43 K on the mound), OF/IF Kane Klaunis (.330, 12 HR, 54 RBI), OF/1B Jared Anderson (.326, 5 HR, 41 RBI). Titialii's 24 home runs are eighth-best in the NAIA.
Top pitchers:RHP Adrian Santa Cruz (9-4, 4.09 ERA, 100 K), RHP Eli Elliott (7-4, 3.20 ERA, 99 K), RHP Chay Esqueda (2-0, 3.86 ERA, 47 K), RHP Jackson Hohensee (4-2, 6.04 ERA, 73 K in 44 IP). Santa Cruz pitched a complete game shutout vs. Lewis-Clark State in the Opening Round.
Coach:Joe McDonald, sixth season
Outlook:After an OK season in a strong conference, the Firestorm got here by winning the strongest opening round bracket. They could do some damage.

11:35 AM: #4 Hope International (40-15) vs. #5 Reinhardt(41-16)

Hope International (Fullerton, CA) is making their second appearance in the Baseball National Championship. The first one was in 2017. They won the Golden State Athletic Conference regular season championship. Twitter: @HIURoyals
Nickname:Royals
Rankings:#10 in coaches' poll
Quality wins: 7-0 vs. Ottawa-Arizona, 1-1 vs. Westmont, 2-1 vs. Arizona Christian, 3-3 vs. Jessup, Central Methodist
Top position players:IF J.J. Cruz (.408, 12 HR, 70 RBI), IF David Rivera (.389, 12 HR, 53 RBI), IF Alex Moreno (.387, 6 HR, 43 RBI), OF Dean Tolgo (.353, 12 HR, 44 RBI)
Top pitchers:RHP Justin Drury (9-0, 3.41 ERA, 61 K), RHP Trey Seeley (9-3, 3.95 ERA, 116K), RHP Steven Ordorica (2-1, 2.88 ERA, 40 K), RHP Boom Ward (0-0, 2.60 ERA, 29 K)
Coach:Larry Mahoney, third season
Outlook:The Royals are the champions of a strong conference, and had the best strength of schedule coming into the opening round. They are a contender.

Schedule for the first two days of the 68th NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 23-31, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

Friday, 8:30 AM: #4 seed Hope International(46-8) vs. #7 U. of the Cumberlands (48-10)

Hope International (Fullerton, CA) is the defending champion. This is their third appearance in the Baseball National Championship. They won the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (formerly the Golden State Athletic Conference) championship; they won the regular season championship by six games. Twitter: @HIURoyals

Nickname:Royals
Rankings:Coaches' poll: #4 Boyd Nation's Iterative Strength Rating (ISR): #5 Strength of Schedule: #14
Quality wins: 2-0 vs. Oregon Tech, 6-0 vs. Arizona Christian, Lewis-Clark State, Wayland Baptist
Top position players:UTL David Shackelford (.416, 7 HR, 45 RBI), 1B Colby Moran (.396, 11 HR, 66 RBI), IF Julian Francois (.385, 7 HR, 54 RBI), OF Branden Chun-Ming (.371, 40 RBI), C Josiah Chavez (.365, 9 HR, 44 RBI), RHP/IF Matthew Pinal (.359, 10 HR, 57 RBI), OF Amari Bartee (.354, 14 HR, 42 RBI), SS Trotter Boston (.338, 11 HR, 50 RBI), UTL Mario Tostado (.333, 10 HR, 22 RBI)
Top pitchers:RHP Trey Seeley (12-1, 1.49 ERA, 116K), LHP Josh Landry (11-0, 1.82 ERA, 91 K), RHP Jesus Munguia (7-2, 4.63 ERA, 63 K), RHP Boom Ward (2-1, 4.70 ERA, 14 K, 6 saves), RHP Gio Besio (2-0, 4.50 ERA, 36 K). Seeley has the second-lowest ERA in the NAIA, and Landry is the third-lowest. Seeley is tied for fourth in strikeouts.
Coach:Larry Mahoney, fourth season
Outlook:The Royals have lights out pitching; Seeley got two wins in last year's tournament. They have a good chance of becoming repeat champions.

University of the Cumberlands (Williamsburg, KY) is making their third consecutive appearance in the Baseball National Championship. They finished 1-2 last year. They won the regular season championship of the Mid-South Conference. Twitter: @PatsBaseballUC

The Patriots beat out Southeastern for this year's United Nations Award. Their full roster has three Australians, four Puerto Ricans, three Dominican Republicans, and a Canadian.

Nickname:Patriots
Rankings:Coaches' poll: #8 ISR: #13 SoS: #63 (lowest in tournament)
Quality wins:2-0 vs. Missouri Baptist, 1-1 vs. Tennessee Wesleyan
Top position players:C Charlie Muñiz (Naranjito, Dominican Republic; .445, 34 HR, 91 RBI), OF Christian Thompson (.355, 35 RBI), IF Alec Gonzalez (.355, 8 HR, 69 RBI), IF Caden Petrey (.337, 17 HR, 55 RBI), IF Max Harper (.409, 12 HR, 55 RBI), IF Edwin Martinez (.376, 42 RBI), OF Derick Andiarena (Añasca, Puerto Rico; .369, 13 HR, 61 RBI), IF Pedro Vasquez (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; .347, 11 HR, 53 RBI), OF/LHP Trent Prokes (.314, 7 HR, 51 RBI). Muñiz leads the NAIA in home runs and RBI for the second straight year.
Top pitchers:RHP Knicko Billings (9-1, 3.67 ERA, 78 K), LHP Kailem Hamson (Gold Coast, Australia; 11-0, 2.54 ERA, 121 K), LHP Wesley Culley (4-1, 2.73 ERA, 50 K), LHP Cooper Morgan (Canberra, Australia; 5-1, 3.86 ERA, 55 K), RHP Nolan Wilson (3-1, 2.34 ERA, 45 K). Hamson is third in the NAIA in strikeouts.
Coach:Brad Shelton, 24th season
Outlook:The Patriots' regular season and playoff record is unimpressive; they will have to take it up a notch to be competitive in this field.

Results of the NAIA Baseball National Championship in Lewiston, ID for May 29.

Indiana Wesleyan 11, Georgia Gwinnett 10 (Georgia Gwinnett eliminated)

The Wildcats got ten runs in the first two innings, and they needed every one of them, plus one more that they added in the bottom of the eighth.

The Wildcats’ barrage was led by three-run home runs by Ty Mathews and Jeff Morton in the second inning. However, the Grizzlies got back into the game with five runs in the top of the fourth, led by a three-run home run by Braxton Meguilar, and a solo home run by Caden Smith. Ajay Szcepkowski added another solo home run in the fifth, and the Wildcats’ lead was cut to 10-6. The Grizzlies made it a one-run game by scoring three runs in the top of the eighth on an RBI double by Cohen Wilbanks, an RBI single by Devin Warner, and a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Brody Parkerson. However, in the bottom of the eighth, the Bobcats got what turned out to be a crucial insurance run. The Grizzlies got within one run again with Szcepkowski’s second home run of the game in the top of the ninth, but the game ended with a double play.

Schedule for the first two days of the 62^nd NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 25-June 1, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

8:30 AM: #8 seed Antelope Valley (44-12-1) vs. #9 Reinhardt (41-18)

Antelope Valley (Lancaster, CA) is making their first appearance at the Baseball National Championship, in only the third season of their program. They won both the regular season and tournament championships of the California Pacific Conference.
Nickname:Pioneers
Rankings: #17 in coaches' poll, #29 in ISR. Strength of Schedule: #93
Quality wins:2-2 vs. Lewis-Clark State, Middle Georgia State, 2-1 vs. William Jessup
Top position players:IF Michael Pereznegron (.398), IF Tyler Pittmon (.376, 9 HR, 64 RBI), OF Adam Maciel (.410, 57 RBI), C/1B Nathaniel Broaddus (.318, 8 HR, 42 RBI)
Top pitchers: RHP Clayton Rabiej (11-0, 3.28 ERA, 93 K), RHP Jacob Castillo (11-0, 4.75 ERA), RHP Jesse Garcia (7-4, 5.30 ERA, 77 K), LHP Chris Gutierrez (3-0, 2.61 ERA)
Coach:Jacob Garsez, third season
Outlook:The Pioneers should win this one, but if they do, Saturday night's game against Faulkner will be a challenge.

Reinhardt (Waleska, GA) is one of five teams making their first appearance at the Baseball National Championship. The Eagles and Freed-Hardeman are tied for fourth in the NAIA in team fielding, with a .971 average.
Nickname:Eagles
Rankings: Unranked in coaches' poll, #14 in ISR. Strength of Schedule: #24
Quality wins:1-1 vs. Middle Georgia State, 2-1 vs. Campbellsville
Top position players: OF Kaleb Swayze (.356, 10 HR, 45 RBI), 1B Sherman Graves (.316, 10 HR, 55 RBI), IF Jacob Cagle (.256, 12 HR, 49 RBI)
Top pitchers: RHP Heriberto Casasola (Panama City, Panama; 6-2, 2.25 ERA, 48 K), RHP Dylan Powers (11-3, 2.62 ERA), 80 K), RHP Jason Gifford (9-3, 3.32 ERA, 85 K)
Coach:John Harris, first season
Outlook:The Eagles are happy to be here.

Schedule for the first two days of the 63^rd NAIA Baseball National Championship, Friday-Saturday, May 24-31, Harris Field, Lewiston, ID (all times PDT):

8:30 AM: #8 seed Indiana Tech (41-14-1) vs. #9 Bellevue (46-14)

Indiana Tech (Fort Wayne) is making their sixth trip to the Baseball National Championship. The most recent one was in 2003. They are the champions of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. Twitter: @INTechBaseball
Nickname: Warriors
Rankings:#23 in coaches' poll, #7 in ISR. SoS: #20
Quality wins:2-0 vs. Tennessee Wesleyan, 2-1 vs. Freed-Hardeman, 2-0 vs. U. of the Cumberlands
Top position players:1B/C Glen McClain (.435, 17 HR, 54 RBI), 3B Branson Dossen (.370, 5 HR, 49 RBI), 1B/3B Jake Defries (.368, 3 HR, 42 RBI). McClain is tied for 12^th in the NAIA in hitting and home runs.
Top Pitchers: RHP Tanner Perkins (5-0, 1.10 ERA), LHP Charles Dunavan (9-1, 2.60 ERA, 93 strikeouts), RHP Seth Sorensen (7-3, 2.24 ERA, 63 strikeouts), LHP Dan Shaw (2-2, 1.79 ERA, 62 strikeouts)
Coach:Kip McWilliams, 12^th season
Outlook:The Warriors are happy to be here.

Bellevue (Omaha, NE) is making their 13^th trip to the Baseball National Championship. The most recent one was in 2016. They are the champions of the North Star Athletic Association. Twitter: @BUBruinBaseball
Nickname:Bruins
Rankings:#21 in coaches' poll, #20 in ISR. SoS: #77
Quality wins:Saint Thomas, Oklahoma City, LSU-Shreveport
Top position players: SS Kory Longaker (.385, 12 HR, 57 RBI), C Travis Tanaka (.380, 3 HR, 51 RBI), 3B J.T. Patterson (.379, 24home runs, 87 RBI). Patterson is fourth in the NAIA in home runs, and second in RBI.
Top Pitchers: LHP Jarrett Poh (9-0, 1.55 ERA, 68 strikeouts), RHP Stephen Knapp (10-2, 2.33 ERA, 51 strikeouts), RHP Colton Walker (5-2, 4.13 ERA, 60 strikeouts). Poh has the sixth-lowest ERA in the NAIA.
Coach:Duane Monlux, ninth season
Outlook:The Bruins will win a game.

#1 Cumberlandhas started the season 0-7. They had a midweek loss at #23 Tennessee Wesleyan, 13-7, then got swept at home by #9 Missouri Baptist, 5-3 (10 innings), 13-5, and 7-3. 3B Ridge Hoopi-Haslam was the star for Tennessee Wesleyan; he went 3-for-4 with a home run, a triple, four RBI, and three runs scored. In the first game against Missouri Baptist, Bulldogs starter Jake Collier had a shoutout going into the ninth inning, but gave up a two-run home run by pinch-hitter Timothy Cusick to send it into extra innings. RF Eli Roundtree hit an RBI single in the top of the tenth for the winning run. Story The defending champions led the second game 5-0 after three innings, but the Spartans put it away with a five-run sixth inning, led by a two-RBI single by 2B Aaron Collazo. Randy Wynne got the win in relief for the Spartans; he allowed only one hit over the final 5 1/3 innings, struck out five. The winning run in the third game game on a two-RBI double by SS Brent Zimmerman in the fourth inning. The Bulldogs visit Bethel Feb. 17, and host Judson Feb. 21-22 (video).

Missouri Baptist is now 9-0. The Spartans host the Clayton Pfeiffer Invitational Tournament Feb. 20-21, with Saint Francis (IN) and non-NAIA Morthland.

#2 Lewis-Clark Statewent 5-2 on their California tour, with wins over San Diego Christian,9-4 and 7-6, #18 Concordia-Irvine7-3, Cal State San Marcos8-3, and non-NAIA Bethesda 7-5. They lost to Cal State San Marcos 10-3, and Concordia-Irvine 4-3. In the first game against San Diego Christian, the Warriors were held to one run over the first seven innings by Anthony Carrizosa, but erupted for seven runs in the top of the ninth off three different Hawks relievers. The Hawks had only five hits. Starter Ty Jackson went five innings, allowed three runs on two hits, struck out seven, got a no-decision. Nick Sagendorf got the win, pitched the final two innings, struck out four of the six batters he faced. The Warriors had a 6-0 lead in the second game after four innings, but the Hawks answered with five runs in the bottom of the fifth. The Warriors got the winning run in the top of the seventh on an RBI double by C Julian Ramon. The Hawks made it a one-run game when 1B Luke Bando reached on an error, allowing pinch-runner Gordy Smith to score. However, they left the tying run on third, and the winning run on first. Story SS Max Whitt his a grand slam home run in the win over Concordia, and 1B Seth Brown also hit a home run. Beau Kerns pitched a complete nine-inning game in the win over Cal State San Marcos, and 3B Michael Sexton went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two RBI. 3B Robert Smith Jr. went 4-for-4 with a three-run home run and five RBI against Bethesda, and his two-RBI single in the top of the ninth provided the winning run.

Starter Addison Domingo got the win for Cal State San Marcos. He held the Warriors to one run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, struck out seven. DH L.A. Gamo batted in five of the Cougars' runs, went 2-for-3 and drew two walks. In the loss to Concordia, the Warriors out-hit the Eagles 10-4, but the Eagles got two runs on a home run by DH Dane Vande Guchte, and runs on an RBI single by CF Mitchell Esser and a sacrifice fly by C Neil Lawhorn. Starter Robbie Ingram got the win, allowed one earned run over seven innings.

#9 Missouri Baptist(#1 according to Perfect Game) had four scheduled games canceled. They will play in a tournament at Campbellsville Feb. 26-28, against Campbellsville and Saint Francis (IN), but it's not clear if those games will happen, either (video).

#1 Cumberlandhad five scheduled games canceled. They are scheduled to host Freed-Hardeman Feb. 24 (video), visit #6 Georgia Gwinnett Feb. 25, and host Marygrove, a new baseball program, Feb. 27-28 (video). Marygrove also lost some games to weather, so the series at Cumberland will be their first-ever baseball games.

#2 Lewis-Clark Statesplit four games with Division II Western Oregon, 11-0, 4-6, 8-4, and 0-5. Beau Kerns pitched a complete game shutout in the first game. He allowed six hits, recorded nine strikeouts. It was his third straight complete game, and he has an ERA of 1.00. 2B Cabe Reiten and 1B Seth Brown both hit three-run home runs. Reiten also hit a double, and was 3-for-4. C Chadwick Ka'alekahi was also 3-for-4 with a double. Story The Wolves led the second game the entire way, starting with a two-RBI double by LF Matt Taylor in the first inning. Reiten went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI in the third game, and he has had at least one hit in every game the Warriors have played this year. Story Michael Bennett, Shawn Domke, and Jacob Storedahl combined for the shutout in the fourth game. Three of the Wolves' runs came on a mis-played popup by Taylor. Story

The Warriors are now 10-5. They don't play again until March 7, when they host Corban.

#9 Missouri Baptistsplit a double-header with Bryanat the beginning of the week, 4-3 and 3-4. The loss in the second game was their first of the season. The Spartans were outhit 8-5 in the first game, but they got two unearned runs, and a two-RBI single by DH Aaron Pangilinan. The second game was tied 2-2 going into the seventh and final inning. 2B Cody Rhinehart hit a two-RBI single in the top of the ninth to win it. RB Eli Roundtree hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth, but Lions reliever Zeke Colby recorded a strikeout to end it. Colby got the win; he and starter RHP Hunter Tipton held the Spartans to five hits. Story

The Spartans lost six games to weather. The host Missouri Valley March 3, and Lindenwood-Belleville March 6-7.

The Lions are 15-4, and two of their pitchers, Francisco Colin and Kenny Knudsen, have pitched no-hitters this season. They also lost games to weather, but replaced them with games against Division III Covenant, which they won, 5-1 and 5-2. Knudsen went the seven-inning distance in the second game, allowed four hits. He leads the NAIA with 46 strikeouts, and has an ERA of 0.56. The Lions host Judson March 2-3, and visit Point March March 6-7.

#2 Lewis-Clark Statewas off this week. They host Corban in a non-conference series March 7-8. (audio)

#3 Oklahoma Wesleyangot a pair of mid-week wins over Division II Rogers State, 7-1 and 7-5, then lost four scheduled games to weather. SS Avery Flores went 3-for-4 with a double and three RBI in the first game against Rogers State. In the second game, 3B Zair Koeiman hit a two-RBI double for the winning run. Three Eagles pitchers held the Hillcats to four hits, but the Hillcats got two unearned runs on three errors by the Eagles. The Eagles host #4 Oklahoma Baptist March 3, and visit Bethany March 6-7.

The NAIA Coaches' Poll for April 1, 2014, with Boyd Nation's ISR ranking.

First place votes:Faulkner 19, Oklahoma Baptist 1, Lewis-Clark State 1
Lewis-Clark State is #1 in Strength of Schedule

#1 Faulknerwon two of three against #25 Mobile, 3-6, 12-0, and 11-3. Both starters, Jeff Price for the Rams and Thomas Dorminy for the Eagles, went the seven-inning distance in the first game. Price allowed two earned runs on eight hits. Price was helped by double plays in the fifth and sixth innings, and the defending champions left the bases loaded in the seventh. The winning run was the result of two walks and two wild pitches. The win was the 800th at Mobile for Head Coach Mike Jacobs. Story Jeremy Holcombe and Vinny Lujan combined for a mercy-rule-shortened shutout in the second game. The Blazers got eight runs from walks, hit batters, and errors. SS Dauris Holguin went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI in the third game. Kurt Lipscomb pitched six shutout innings, allowed four hits.

The Eagles visit #16 Brewton-Parker April 4-5.

#2 Oklahoma Baptistwon two of three over Wayland Baptist, 9-0, 2-1, and 5-6. Julian Merryweather pitched the complete-game shutout in the first game, allowed three hits, struck out nine. CF Joey Szczepanski went 2-for-2 with two RBI, two stolen bases, and two runs scored. The Bison won the second game on and RBI single by C Mason Ankeney in the bottom of the seventh of a seven-inning game. Jordan Morales went the distance, allowed six hits; Morales is 7-0 for the season. 2B Braden Blackwell scored the winning run in the top of the ninth in the third game for the Pioneers on a throwing error. The Bison left the tying run on third in the bottom of the ninth. Cachot Duncan got the win in relief for the Pioneers. He pitched the final four innings, alowed one run (unearned) on one hit.

The Bison then defeated #12 Tabor6-5 on a home run by 2B Ridge Hoopii-Haslam in the bottom of the ninth. The Bluejays led 5-2 after three innings, but Jinny Parra took over on the mound for the Bison, and allowed only two hits the rest of the way; he struck out eight.

The Pioneers continue to lead the Sooner Athletic Conference. #10 Oklahoma City is one game behind, and the Bison are 1 ½ games behind. The Bison visit Texas Wesleyan April 4-5.

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.

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.

NAIA coaches' poll for April 19, 2016, with Boyd Nation's ISR. Recaps below.