The Tigers made their return to Mason, Ohio to participate in the NCCAA World Series this past week. This marked the second year in a row making it to the national tournament and the Tigers were seeded 10th.
Hiwassee College baseball posted its first-ever win at any NCCAA National Tournament in school history. The Tigers ended the season with their third straight 30 win season by posting a 31-21 overall record and finished ranked 8th in the nation.
In the third game of pool play, the Tigers faced a familiar foe in Oakland City University (IN) (NCAA Division 2). The Tigers got on the board early and never looked back in route to the programs first ever win at the World Series. Jake Williamson threw a complete game and scattered 6 hits over 9 innings. His performance earned a spot on the All-World Series Team. The Tigers won 8-1 and remained alive for a semi-final berth.
In the final game of pool play, The Tigers faced off against Bethesda University (CA) (NAIA) with the winner remaining alive for a National Semi-Final berth. Both starting pitchers were outstanding as Cameron Alday matched the Flames starter pitch for pitch. Bethesda plated 2 runs in the 5th and another 2 in the 7th to push their lead to 4-0. The Tigers left 8 runners on base and could not push across a run. The Flames took the game 4-0. The loss eliminated the Tigers from advancing to the semi-finals.
Head Coach Shane Gardner went on to say, “We had chances all week to drive runs in but could not get the big hit when we needed it. All in all, we are happy with the win and setting that record but we really feel like we left some wins on the board. Going into the last game and having a chance to play in the semi-finals was a testament to this team and how they never quit. We only had 3 seniors so we feel like we can get back next year and have a shot to win it.”