2025 NAIA World Series Preview, Predictions & Top Players

The pinnacle of NAIA baseball is here. Just 10 teams remain, each vying for a shot at glory in Lewiston at the 2025 NAIA World Series.

Once again, we’ve partnered with Baseball America to bring you an in-depth look at every team making the trip, plus a spotlight on some of the top players to watch at this year’s World Series. Our team will make picks for every first-round game and take a deep dive into each of the 10 programs in Lewiston.

This season has delivered its fair share of surprises. Only one team, (Loyola (La.), is making its first trip to Lewiston, though its head coach has been here twice before. Several familiar faces are back, including mainstays like Georgia Gwinnett, Tennessee Wesleyan and Southeastern (Fla.), all led by experienced coaches keeping their programs near the top. Grand View returns for the first time since the 1990s, while Hope International (Calif.) arrives looking to defend its crown. Cumberlands (Ky.) is here for a third straight year, and Webber International (Fla.) has made the long trek from Babson Park. The field even goes international, with British Columbia hoping to plant the Canadian flag on Harris Field.

But we begin with one of the most remarkable stories in college baseball this season at any level.

Perfect Pilots

Something special has been brewing in Shreveport, La., since the early fall. LSU Shreveport knew it’d be good, but no one could have predicted a 54-0 record heading into the NAIA World Series.

Along the way, the Pilots defeated 10 teams ranked in the final coaches’ poll, going 10-0 in those matchups. Outside of Opening Round play, the Pilots played six series against teams that made the national tournament. They’ve trailed in games—multiple times—but always found a way back.

This is an experienced group, but their identity starts in the dugout. Head coach Brad Neffendorf, who’s been at the helm since January 2020, has taken the program to multiple World Series trips. With past experience at Campbellsville and Tennessee Wesleyan, Neffendorf has earned a reputation as the “ultimate competitor,” holding his team to a high standard.

He’s backed by a strong staff: Jordan Schwellenbach (older brother of Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach and NAIA Ball legend Mason Schwellenbach), Steve Jones—who boasts 800 career wins—and assistants Cy Kerber and AJ Fritz.

It might feel like everything fell into place this season, but it came on the heels of postseason heartbreak. In 2024, LSU Shreveport was eliminated in the Shreveport Bracket by Kansas Wesleyan. In 2023, they were knocked out at home by No. 4 seed MidAmerica Nazarene, 7-6.

Senior catcher Diego Aragon (Fort Collins, Colo.) acknowledged how those defeats shaped this year’s team:

“We’ve had a lot of returners on this team, and that was always the goal to get back to Lewiston. It for sure was not what we expected the past two seasons, but it definitely made us who we are. This year we had that chip on our shoulder that we had something to prove.” Aragon said. 

The buzz around the program has reached new heights in Shreveport, and the players have noticed.

“It’s awesome,” Aragon said. “This is my third year at Shreveport, and it is by far the most fans and recognition and it’s deserving, but we’re also very thankful for it. We’ve definitely felt the support from the city.”

Senior utility man Ryan Davenport (Dripping Springs, Texas) echoed those sentiments.

“We have a crazy amount of returners, and we fell short of getting back to Idaho in the past. From the fall and the time we showed up, I think everyone knew we had one goal. We knew it was special when the guys who came in, the new guys, were bought in immediately. We’ve had the same approach all year, it’s 0-0 each day, and the one goal in mind is to win the game at hand. We have gotten punched in the mouth before and this group stays focused and does not get weary,” Davenport said.

When asked about his team’s focus, Neffendorf pointed to one word: execution.

“They’re special because of who they are as individuals and a group as a whole. The baseball and the success they have had is a byproduct of it,” Neffendorf said. “They have come together and played together as a group as well or better than any group I’ve ever been around. This year it ranks at the top. I have been fortunate to be a part of some really good teams and years at this level. But this group is at the top for so many reasons.” 

This is Lewiston. There are no easy games. To reach the top, nothing is given and everything must be taken. And that’s what the Pilots have done.

Their first opponent is a red-hot Grand View team that surprised many by winning the Upland Opening Round. The Pilots already hold the NAIA record for longest win streak and now own the longest winning streak by a four-year college in history. The all-time record across all college levels? That belongs to Howard College (Texas), which won 57 straight in 2009 on the way to an NJCAA Division I title.

Winning in Lewiston is just as hard as getting there. LSU Shreveport might have the deepest roster in the field, but depth alone doesn’t win titles. In Lewiston, it takes skill, grit and luck.

Perfect is a lofty standard. Records are nice, but the ultimate goal is simple: be the last team standing, dog-piling on the field, trophy in hand, with the title of national champion. And to get there?

Execute. 

Top 10 Hitters in Lewiston

1. Charlie Muniz, Catcher, University of the Cumberlands (KY)- .445 AVG, 98 H, 91 RBI, 34 HR, 53 XBH, .528 OBP, 1.000 SLG
2. Alex Harrell, Right Fielder, Georgia Gwinnett College- .462 AVG, 85 H, 73 RBI, 4 HR, 31 XBH, .573 OBP, .696 SLG
3. Daniel Stewart, Catcher, Tennessee Wesleyan- .435 AVG, 94 H, 75 RBI, 19 HR, 45 XBH, .486 OBP, .824 SLG
4. Kolton Reynolds, Right Fielder, Tennessee Wesleyan- .421 AVG, 82 H, 72 RBI, 23 HR, 43 XBH, .523 OBP, .877 SLG
5. Corbin Shaw, First Baseman, Tennessee Wesleyan- .387 AVG, 77 H, 81 RBI, 26 HR, 36 XBH, .439 OBP, .844 SLG
6. Josh Gibson, Third Baseman, LSU-Shreveport- .442 AVG, 84 H, 67 RBI, 8 HR, 28 XBH, .537 OBP, .700 SLG
7. Alfonso Villalobos, Shortstop, Southeastern (FL)- .366 AVG, 74 H, 77 RBI, 14 HR, 33 XBH, .470 OBP, .673 SLG
8. Braxton Megiuar, Second Baseman, Georgia Gwinnett College- .425 AVG, 76 H, 50 RBI, 0 HR, 19 XBH, .587 OBP, .547 SLG
9. Erik Broekemeier, First Baseman, Grand View University (IA)- .466 AVG, 62 H, 60 RBI, 8 HR, 20 XBH, .510 OBP, .737 SLG
10.  Jonny McGill, Left Fielder, University Of British Columbia- .401 AVG, 85 H, 54 RBI, 17 HR, 38 XBH, .490 OBP, .755 SLG

Top 10 Pitchers in Lewiston

1. Isaac Rohde, LHP, LSU-Shreveport- 14-0, 16 games started, 105.1 innings pitched, 2.14 ERA, 130 K, 11 BB, 11.11 K/9, 0.74 WHIP, .180 Batting Average Against.
2. Trey Seeley, RHP, Hope International (CA)- 12-1, 15 games started, 90.2 innings pitched, 1.49 ERA, 24 BB, 11.51 K/9, .83 WHIP, 1.58 Batting Average Against.
3. Blake Peyton, LHP, Tennessee Wesleyan- 7-1, 10 games started, 46.2 innings pitched, 2.70 ERA, 86 K, 24 BB, 16.59 K/9, 1.18 WHIP, .183 Batting Average Against.
4. Draven Ziegler, RHP, LSU-Shreveport- 12-0, 15 games started, 78 innings pitched, 1.38 ERA, 95K, 21 BB, 10.96 K/9, .90 WHIP, .182 Batting Average Against.
5. Blayne Huter, RHP, Webber International (FL)- 14-1, 15 games started, 98.2 innings pitched, 1.92 ERA, 115 K, 28 BB, 10.49 K/9, 1.01 WHIP, .216 Batting Average Against.
6. Josh Landry, LHP, Hope International (CA)- 11-0, 13 games started, 74.1 innings pitched, 1.82 ERA, 91 K, 33 BB, 11.02 K/9, 1.09 WHIP, .180 Batting Average Against.
7. Ben Harris, RHP, Georgia Gwinnett- 11-0, 14 games started, 81.2 IP, 2.42 ERA, 90 K, 28 BB, 9.92 K/9, 1.35 WHP, .269 Batting Average Against.
8. Aaron Robertson, LHP, Southeastern (FL)- 10-2, 14 games started, 86 innings pitched, 2.09 ERA, 106 K, 23 BB, 11.09 K/9, 1.03 WHIP, .212 Batting Average Against
9. Cobe Reeves, LHP, LSU-Shreveport- 11-0, 15 games started, 80 innings pitched, 2.02 ERA, 103 K, 32 BB, 11.59 K/9, 1.04 WHIP, .183 Batting Average Against.
10. Kailen Hamson, LHP, Cumberlands (KY)- 11-0, 13 games started, 78 innings pitched, 2.54 ERA, 121 K, 24 BB, 13.96 K/9, .97 WHIP, .188 Batting Average Against.

No. 1 LSU Shreveport

• Head Coach: Brad Neffendorf
• Conference: Red River Athletic Conference
• Record: 54-0 (30-0 conference)
• How They Qualified- Champion of the Shreveport Opening Round.
  • Defeated Ottawa (KS) 5-2
  • Defeated Johnson (TN) 15-4
  • Defeated Mid-America Christian 9-6

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .364
• ERA: 2.32

Top Hitters

• Josh Gibson: .442 AVG, 84 H, 67 RBI, 8 HR, 28 XBH, .537 OBP
• Austin Gomm: .380 AVG, 54 H, 60 RBI, 11 HR, 28 XBH, .478 OBP
• Vantrel Reed: .401 AVG, 65 H, 59 RBI, 5 HR, 21 XBH, .474 OBP
• Ryan Davenport: .429 AVG, 75 H, 45 RBI, 2 HR, 16 XBH, .543 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Lex Meinderts: 3.99 ERA, 29.1 IP, 18 APP, 7 SV, 44 K, 0.92 WHIP
• Isaac Rohde: 2.14 ERA, 105.1 IP, 14-0, 130 K, 0.74 WHIP
• Draven Ziegler: 1.38 ERA, 78 IP, 12-0, 95 K, 0.90 WHIP
• Cobe Reeves: 2.02 ERA, 80 IP, 11-0, 103 K, 1.04 WHIP

About The Pilots

LSU Shreveport is having one of the most prolific seasons in college baseball history. Not only have the Pilots gone undefeated, but they’ve also done so while playing one of the most competitive schedules in the NAIA. Their rotation is among the deepest in the country at any level and they lead the NAIA in shutouts (13) and team ERA.

Offensively, they rank third in batting average, eighth in stolen bases, second in OBP and sixth in slugging. There’s no soft spot in this lineup; multiple hitters can hurt you. The Pilots haven’t been to Lewiston in two years, but they’ve kept their mission clear all season.

This team isn’t overwhelmed by the spotlight. They’ve played like champions from day one, and while the record is remarkable, what matters most is finishing the job. The Pilots have all the ingredients to win a national title.

No. 2 Georgia Gwinnett

• Conference: Continental Athletic Conference
• Record: 53-5 (8-0 conference)
• Head Coach: Jeremy Sheetinger
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Lawrenceville Opening Round
  • Defeated Talladega (Ala.) 6-4
  • Lost to Keiser (Fla.) 7-4
  • Defeated Saint Xavier (Ill.) 16-5
  • Defeated Keiser twice, 11-10 and 13-8

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .379
• ERA: 3.89

Top Hitters

• Alex Harrell: .462 AVG, 85 H, 73 RBI, 4 HR, 31 XBH, .573 OBP
• Braxton Meguiar: .425 AVG, 76 H, 50 RBI, 19 XBH, 40 SB, .587 OBP
• Paul Winland Jr.: .398 AVG, 68 H, 61 RBI, 8 HR, 26 XBH, .520 OBP
• Scott Seeker: .391 AVG, 72 H, 78 RBI, 12 HR, 37 XBH, .496 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Ben Harris: 2.42 ERA, 81.2 IP, 11-0, 90 K, 1.35 WHIP
• Anthony Patterson III: 2.78 ERA, 68 IP, 6-3, 67 K, 1.16 WHIP
• Austin Testerman: 3.07 ERA, 44 IP, 6-1, 66 K, 1.20 WHIP
• Jeremiah Locklear: 2.01 ERA, 31.1 IP, 16 APP, 1 SV, 36 K, 1.37 WHIP

About the Grizzlies

Georgia Gwinnett is back in Lewiston for the seventh straight year, firmly established as one of the NAIA’s blue bloods. Since launching their program in 2013, the Grizzlies have consistently been a national power and 2025 they’ve taken things to new heights.

Their offense is relentless. GGC leads the country in OBP (.519), walks (434) and runs scored (743), and their 367 stolen bases are a new record across all levels of college baseball. Center fielder Jon Ponder leads the charge with 64 steals, second-most in the nation since his return.

But it’s not just offense. Their 3.89 team ERA ranks sixth in the NAIA, and they’ll lean on a veteran staff with plenty of postseason experience. With a balanced attack and championship pedigree—they won it all in 2021—this team is built to make another deep run.

No. 3 Tennessee Wesleyan

• Conference: Appalachian Athletic Conference
• Record: 46-12 (23-7 conference)
• Head Coach: Billy Berry
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Kingsport Opening Round
  • Defeated Indiana Tech 8-1
  • Lost to Columbia (Mo.) 7-2
  • Defeated Cumberland (Tenn.) 14-12
  • Defeated Columbia twice, 6-5 and 18-1

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .379
• ERA: 5.14

Top Hitters

• Daniel Stewart: .435 AVG, 94 H, 75 RBI, 19 HR, 45 XBH, .486 OBP
• Kolton Reynolds: .421 AVG, 82 H, 72 RBI, 23 HR, 43 XBH, .523 OBP
• Corbin Shaw: .387 AVG, 77 H, 81 RBI, 26 HR, 36 XBH, .439 OBP
• Josh Shelly: .408 AVG, 95 H, 67 RBI, 16 HR, 36 XBH, .447 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Blake Peyton: 2.70 ERA, 46.2 IP, 7-1, 86 K, 1.18 WHIP
• Daniel Batcher: 4.62 ERA, 85.2 IP, 11-2, 62 K, 1.26 WHIP
• Justin Jackson: 5.26 ERA, 78.2 IP, 6-1, 81 K, 1.40 WHIP
• Cameron Goffar: 4.98 ERA, 56 IP, 22 APP, 5-0, 45 K, 1.39 WHIP

About the Bulldogs

After finishing as national runner-up in 2024, Tennessee Wesleyan returns to Lewiston looking to finish the job. Offensively, the Bulldogs are as potent as ever. They tied for first in batting average and lead the nation in hits (770), doubles (157), home runs (142), extra-base hits (312) and total bases (1,379).

Arkansas transfer Kolton Reynolds, AAC Player of the Year Daniel Stewart and power-hitting Corbin Shaw form what may be the most dangerous trio in the tournament. Add in Josh Shelly and Kruise Newman, and this lineup has firepower from top to bottom, not to mention Newman’s flair for the dramatic in the postseason. This lineup can absolutely mash.

The biggest question is on the mound. Ace Blake Peyton returned from injury and struck out 31 batters in two postseason starts, flashing elite swing-and-miss stuff. If he and Southeastern transfer Daniel Batcher continue to perform, the Bulldogs have everything they need to finish what they started last year and walk out of Lewiston with another red banner.

No. 4 Hope International (Calif.)

• Conference: Great Southwest Athletic Conference
• Record: 46-8 (22-2 conference)
• Head Coach: Larry Mahoney
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Lewiston Opening Round
  • Defeated Oregon Tech 3-2
  • Defeated Lewis-Clark State 12-1
  • Defeated Wayland Baptist (Texas) 12-2

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .361
• ERA: 4.21

Top Hitters

• David Shackelford: .416 AVG, 74 H, 45 RBI, 7 HR, 24 XBH, .549 OBP
• Colby Moran: .396 AVG, 65 H, 66 RBI, 11 HR, 22 XBH, .485 OBP
• Julian Francois: .385 AVG, 57 H, 54 RBI, 7 HR, 20 XBH, .473 OBP
• Amari Bartee: .354 AVG, 63 H, 42 RBI, 14 HR, 32 XBH, .464 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Trey Seeley: 1.46 ERA, 90.2 IP, 12-1, 116 K, 0.83 WHIP
• Josh Landry: 1.82 ERA, 74.1 IP, 11-0, 91 K, 1.09 WHIP
• Jesus Munguia: 4.63 ERA, 58.1 IP, 63 K, 1.54 WHIP
• Chandler De Jong: 3.71 ERA, 17 IP, 17 APP, 3-0, 20 K, 1.53 WHIP

About the Royals

The defending national champions have turned Lewiston into a second home under Larry Mahoney. After sweeping through their Opening Round, Hope International has now won eight straight at Harris Field. The Royals bring back key contributors from last year’s title run and look even more dangerous this time around.

On the mound, the one-two punch of Trey Seeley and Josh Landry might be the best in the country. Seeley ranks second nationally in ERA and strikeouts and is tied for fifth in wins. Landry isn’t far behind with his undefeated 11-0 record and dominant numbers across the board.

Offensively, Hope ranks first nationally in doubles (160) and second in extra-base hits (277). This lineup can hurt you in all kinds of ways and has even better numbers compared to last season. Repeating as champions is one of the hardest things to do in sports, but the Royals have the arms, bats and experience to defend their crown.

No. 5 Webber International (Fla.)

• Conference: The Sun Conference
• Record: 44-13 (18-10 conference)
• Head Coach: Collin Martin
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Lincoln Opening Round
  • Defeated Indiana Wesleyan 5-4
  • Defeated Concordia (Neb.) 3-0
  • Defeated Indiana Wesleyan 11-1

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .290
• ERA: 3.58

Top Hitters

• Steven Nitch: .382 AVG, 47 H, 39 RBI, 4 HR, 17 XBH, .465 OBP
• Jalen Martinez: .335 AVG, 59 H, 51 RBI, 7 HR, 21 XBH, .432 OBP
• Ryan Recio: .309 AVG, 59 H, 37 RBI, 8 HR, 27 XBH, .444 OBP
• Bryan Morales: .330 AVG, 38 H, 21 RBI, 3 HR, 8 XBH, .436 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Blayne Huter: 1.92 ERA, 98.2 IP, 14-1, 115 K, 1.01 WHIP
• Dalton Robinson: 3.54 ERA, 76.1 IP, 6-4, 69 K, 1.32 WHIP
• Mark Link: 3.67 ERA, 61.1 IP, 6-3, 49 K, 1.45 WHIP
• Noah Palmese: 2.03 ERA, 44.1 IP, 24 APP, 13 SV, 64 K, 0.77 WHIP

About the Warriors

Webber International had a standout performance in the Sun Conference tournament, going 4-0 and knocking off Top 25 teams Keiser and Southeastern twice, including in the title game. Though the offense won’t lead any statistical categories, this team thrives behind elite pitching.

With the third-best ERA in the NAIA, the Warriors are built to win tight games and had 15 wins this season by three runs or fewer. Starter Blayne Huter is a national pitcher of the year candidate, while Noah Palmese is one of the best closers in the field.

Offensively, Webber doesn’t rely on the long ball but can grind out runs when it counts. If the Warriors stick to their game, limit damage on the mound and capitalize when it matters, they could surprise some folks in Lewiston.

No. 6 Southeastern (Fla.)

• Conference: The Sun Conference
• Record: 44-13 (18-10 conference)
• Head Coach: Gabe Grinder
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Lakeland Opening Round
  • Defeated Briar Cliff (Iowa) 6-2
  • Defeated Arizona Christian 8-5
  • Defeated ABAC (Ga.) 10-4

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .340
• ERA: 4.53

Top Hitters

• Jon Paul Penella: .424 AVG, 92 H, 49 RBI, 11 XBH, .519 OBP
• Connor Hicks: .401 AVG, 81 H, 73 RBI, 30 XBH, .515 OBP
• Charlie Collins: .394 AVG, 86 H, 60 RBI, 25 XBH, .487 OBP
• Alfonso Villalobos: .366 AVG, 74 H, 77 RBI, 33 XBH, .470 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Aaron Robertson: 2.09 ERA, 86 IP, 10-2, 106 K, 1.03 WHIP
• Reece Wissinger: 2.82 ERA, 70.1 IP, 8-0, 88 K, 0.97 WHIP
• Agnel Miranda: 4.07 ERA, 55.1 IP, 5-1, 65 K, 1.27 WHIP
• Cole Jones: 2.00 ERA, 27 IP, 22 APP, 11 SV, 27 K, 1.07 WHIP

About the Fire

Southeastern is back in Lewiston for the seventh year in a row, this time with a new leader. Head coach Gabe Grinder, a program alum, took over for the legendary Adrian Dinkel, who took a minor league job with the Yankees, and hasn’t missed a beat. Grinder’s success isn’t a surprise given he lead Ottawa (Kan.) to multiple Opening Round appearances.

The Fire remain an offensive powerhouse, ranking 12th nationally in batting average with multiple hitters capable of taking over a game. Leadoff man Jon Paul Penella is a true table-setter with his .424 average, .519 OBP and 24 steals.

On the mound, Southeastern features a standout trio, including one of the nation’s best one-two duos. Aaron Robertson ranks among the national leaders in ERA. Reece Wissinger, the 2022 NAIA Reliever of the Year, has flourished since moving to the rotation. And Cole Jones, tied for third in saves nationally, is one of the best closers in the country. He will play a pivotal role as they look for their third red banner in seven seasons.

No. 7 Cumberlands (Ky.)

• Conference: Mid-South Conference
• Record: 48-10 (16-2 conference)
• Head Coach: Brad Shelton
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Williamsburg Opening Round
  • Defeated MidAmerica Nazarene 8-7 (10 inn.)
  • Defeated Missouri Baptist 8-6 (10 inn.)
  • Defeated Missouri Baptist again 16-6

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .353
• ERA: 4.18

Top Hitters

• Charlie Muniz: .445 AVG, 98 H, 91 RBI, 34 HR, 53 XBH, .528 OBP
• Max Harper: .409 AVG, 76 H, 55 RBI, 12 HR, 25 XBH, .519 OBP
• Derick Andiarena: .368 AVG, 69 H, 61 RBI, 13 HR, 31 XBH, .452 OBP
• Alec Gonzalez: .352 AVG, 75 H, 69 RBI, 8 HR, 28 XBH, .433 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Kailen Hamson: 2.42 ERA, 78 IP, 11-0, 121 K, 0.97 WHIP
• Knicko Billings: 3.67 ERA, 83 IP, 9-1, 78 K, 1.33 WHIP
• Cooper Morgan: 3.86 ERA, 42 IP, 5-1, 55 K, 1.26 WHIP
• Nolan Wilson: 2.08 ERA, 34.2 IP, 3-1, 45 K, 1.21 WHIP

About the Patriots

Despite a tough showing in the conference tournament, Cumberlands regrouped and took care of business at home in the Opening Round. Now, they head to Lewiston for the third straight year looking to make up for it with one of the most feared offenses in the NAIA.

The big name here is Charlie Muniz, and for good reason. The senior catcher is now the all-time NAIA leader in hits, home runs and RBIs, and earlier this year surpassed Oklahoma State legend Pete Incaviglia for the most home runs in college baseball history with 113. He’s arguably one of the most prolific hitters this level has ever seen.

But Muniz isn’t alone. The Patriots currently rank 10th in the country in batting average and 10th in ERA. There’s no doubt they have the offense to make noise after winning 15 games by double-digits. If the offense keeps producing, don’t count out Cumberlands to make noise in Lewiston.

No. 8 Loyola (La.)

• Conference: Southern States Athletic Conference
• Record: 41-16 (20-10 conference)
• Head Coach: Jeremy Kennedy
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Waleska Opening Round
  • Defeated Oakland City 7-4
  • Defeated Reinhardt 7-6
  • Lost to Ave Maria 9-8
  • Defeated Ave Maria 8-4

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .317
• ERA: 4.76

Top Hitters

• Brandon Mooney: .378 AVG, 84 H, 46 RBI, 4 HR, 29 XBH, .472 OBP
• Cole Romero: .344 AVG, 75 H, 71 RBI, 11 HR, 26 XBH, .402 OBP
• Felix Garrett: .402 AVG, 80 H, 45 RBI, 4 HR, 22 XBH, .512 OBP
• Landon Manson: .349 AVG, 61 H, 43 RBI, 6 HR, 21 XBH, .480 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Cole Bordes: 4.14 ERA, 50 IP, 4-2, 32 K, 1.52 WHIP
• Thomas Hakimian: 3.28 ERA, 49.1 IP, 7-1, 41 K, 1.24 WHIP
• Prescott Marsh: 6.05 ERA, 55 IP, 5-2, 51 K, 1.55 WHIP
• Frank Fernandez: 2.35 ERA, 23 IP, 19 APP, 6 SV, 28 K, 1.26 WHIP

About the Wolf Pack

Loyola makes its first-ever trip to Lewiston, becoming the 206th program to appear in the NAIA World Series. The Wolf Pack are a seasoned group that stayed level-headed through a tough SSAC schedule and a gritty Opening Round run.

Head coach Jeremy Kennedy joins elite company as just the second coach in NAIA history to lead three different programs to the World Series. His leadership has helped elevate Loyola in his sixth year at the helm in New Orleans.

This offense is led by a trio with championship pedigree. Mooney and Romero won a JUCO national title at LSU Eunice in 2021 and have continued their success at Loyola. Romero set a school record with 71 RBIs this year, while Garrett adds another consistent bat to the mix.

Though the staff has battled injuries, the bullpen has stepped up in the postseason. Fernandez has become a reliable option late in games. With a coach that is no stranger to the World Series and veteran leadership in the lineup, don’t sleep on this team in Lewiston.

No. 9 University of British Columbia (Canada)

• Conference: Cascade Collegiate Conference
• Record: 39-17 (29-8 conference)
• Head Coach: Chris Pritchett
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Hattiesburg Opening Round
  • Defeated Oklahoma Wesleyan 9-3
  • Defeated IU Southeast 14-4
  • Defeated IU Southeast again 7-4

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .319
• ERA: 5.43

Top Hitters

• Jonny McGill: .401 AVG, 85 H, 54 RBI, 17 HR, 38 XBH, .490 OBP
• Trent Lenihan: .362 AVG, 79 H, 62 RBI, 15 HR, 34 XBH, .458 OBP
• Mitchell Middlemiss: .340 AVG, 68 H, 10 HR, 26 XBH, .389 OBP
• Aaron Marsh: .332 AVG, 71 H, 10 HR, 27 XBH, .420 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Will Anderson: 2.79 ERA, 80.2 IP, 7-1, 72 K, 1.29 WHIP
• Ryan Heppner: 4.44 ERA, 73 IP, 7-2, 77 K, 1.29 WHIP
• Daniel Orfaly: 4.85 ERA, 68.2 IP, 4-1, 44 K, 1.54 WHIP
• James Brock: 5.44 ERA, 48 IP, 19 APP, 3 SV, 54 K, 1.52 WHIP

About the Thunderbirds

UBC returns to the World Series for the first time since 2006 and “Canada’s Team” made sure to earn it the hard way, traveling over 2,700 miles to Hattiesburg and rolling through their bracket in dominant fashion.

Head coach Chris Pritchett has built a consistent winner in Vancouver, reaching the Opening Round in seven of his 10 seasons. This year’s team is experienced, resilient and plays with a chip on its shoulder.

Jonny McGill leads the charge with elite production and a flair for the moment after hitting a team-high .401 with 17 homers and 17 steals. He’s one of the best all-around players in the field and is supported by a deep lineup where someone new seems to step up every night. Middlemiss earned Hattiesburg MVP honors after going 5-for-5 to open the bracket.

On the mound, Co-CCC Pitcher of the Year Will Anderson has been a true ace all season long with one of the best changeups in the tournament. The Thunderbirds already played four conference games this year at Harris Field, so this stage won’t feel unfamiliar. Can the T-Birds stay hot and continue this run back in familiar territory?

No. 10 Grand View (Iowa)

• Conference: Heart of America Athletic Conference
• Record: 38-12 (26-6 conference)
• Head Coach: Doug Brinker
• How They Qualified: Champion of the Upland Opening Round
  • Lost to Taylor (Ind.) 13-3
  • Defeated Bellevue 7-6
  • Defeated Taylor 11-10
  • Defeated Kansas Wesleyan twice, 5-3 and 16-2

Team Stats

• Batting Average: .355
• ERA: 5.37

Top Hitters

• Erik Broekemeier: .466 AVG, 62 H, 60 RBI, 8 HR, 20 XBH, .503 OBP
• Brock Reinhart: .362 AVG, 59 H, 61 RBI, 18 HR, 22 XBH, .480 OBP
• Hank Himrich: .365 AVG, 65 H, 51 RBI, 16 HR, 30 XBH, .411 OBP
• Brock Johnson: .392 AVG, 71 H, 48 RBI, 15 HR, 28 XBH, .476 OBP

Top Pitchers

• Kaleb Krier: 3.89 ERA, 69.1 IP, 9-1, 64 K, 1.13 WHIP
• Jason Moist: 4.09 ERA, 55 IP, 7-1, 34 K, 1.40 WHIP
• Noah Schulp: 4.34 ERA, 37.1 IP, 4-2, 19 K, 1.55 WHIP
• Devin Doyle: 5.57 ERA, 21 IP, 18 APP, 9 SV, 22 K, 1.77 WHIP

About the Vikings

A postseason isn’t complete without a Cinderella story and Grand View fits the role perfectly. After dropping their first game in the Opening Round to top-seeded Taylor, the Vikings rattled off four straight elimination wins to punch their ticket to Lewiston for the first time since 1991.

Their offense is one of the best in the country, ranking eighth nationally in team batting average. Broekemeier is a machine at the plate, while the trio of Reinhart, Himrich and Johnson have combined for 46 of the team’s 73 home runs.

Their pitching depth is thinner than others in the field, but Kaleb Krier has been steady all year especially considering the offense-heavy nature of the Heart of America conference.

The Vikings have amazing team chemistry and are comfortable playing with their backs against the wall. They will need to get stellar performances out of Krier and Moist, but they have a powerful offense and are playing with house money–a dangerous combination in Lewiston.

DAY 1 PREDICTIONS

(Game picks by Robby, Conner, Tyler, Taylor and Cooper)

No. 4 Hope International (CA) vs No. 7 Cumberlands (KY)

• Robby- HIU
• Conner- HIU
• Tyler- HIU
• Taylor- HIU
• Cooper- HIU

No. 1 LSU-Shreveport vs No. 10 Grand View (IA)

• Robby- LSUS
• Conner- LSUS
• Tyler- LSUS
• Taylor- LSUS
• Cooper- LSUS

No. 3 Tennessee Wesleyan vs No. 8 Loyola (LA)

• Robby- TWU
• Conner- TWU
• Tyler- TWU
• Taylor- TWU
• Cooper- TWU

No. 2 Georgia Gwinnett vs No. 9 British Columbia (Canada)

• Robby- GGC
• Conner- GGC
• Tyler- GGC
• Taylor- UBC
• Cooper- GGC

No. 5 Webber International (FL) vs No. 6 Southeastern (FL)

(Game played Saturday)

• Robby- SEU
• Conner- SEU
• Tyler- SEU
• Taylor- SEU
• Cooper- WIU

NATIONAL CHAMPION PICKS

• Robby- LSUS
• Conner- LSUS
• Tyler- LSUS
• Taylor- LSUS
• Cooper- LSUS

This post was written by: Robby Gutierrez, Taylor Thomas, Cooper Carter with contributions from Conner Darnell, Tyler Norris, and Denny Grubb. NAIA Ball was started in 2017 by the late Cody Butler. Today and everyday we carry and push forward Cody’s legacy and love for all things NAIA ball.