NAIA recap for February 19

Ben Rue

#1 Lewis-Clark State lost their opener to Concordia-Portland 5-4, and this was the first time the Cavaliers have beaten the Warriors in 42 attempts. Steven Taft got the win in relief for the Cavaliers, and C Tommy Whalen doubled in the winning run in the top of the ninth, but the key player in the win was starter Ben Rue, who went six innings, and held the Warriors to two runs on six hits.

The defending champions won their next three games. They host another tournament this weekend, with Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin’s, and Dickinson State. They host Gonzaga on Feb. 25.

#2 Lee is now 9-0. LHP Mitch Davidson has two mercy-rule-shortened no-hitters for the Flames, and only one of their wins was close. They visit Georgetown College Feb. 20-21, and Montreat Feb. 24.

#3 Oklahoma City is 9-0. They host Briar Cliff and Missouri Valley Feb. 20-22.

Adam Herter

#4 Biola lost a double-header to Point Loma Nazarene, 4-3 and 7-0. Adam Herter pitched a one-hit shutout for the Sea Lions.

The Eagles are now 2-8. They travel to Vanguard Feb. 19, and host The Master’s on the 21st, and Cal Baptist on the 25th.

#5 Embry-Riddle swept three games against Florida Memorial, and their record is now 5-4. They travel to Savannah College of Art and Design Feb. 20-21 for a major early-season matchup.

#7 U. of the Cumberlands lost two of three to Shorter, and defeated Tennessee Wesleyan. The Patriots are 2-2-1. They host Ohio Dominican Feb. 20-21.

#8 Lubbock Christian is now 6-1. They travel to Saint Gregory’s Feb. 20-21.

#9 Union (KY) is 7-0-1. They defeated Lindsey 14-3 on Feb. 17. They host Cinncinnati Christian Feb. 21.

#10 LSU-Shreveport won two of three against William Carey, and the Pilots are now 11-2. Justin Ennis is 3-0, 1.67 ERA, and has 28 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched.

Fresno Pacific is 9-0. They travel to Westmont on Feb. 19, host Concordia-Irvine Feb. 21, and visit Azusa Pacific Feb. 25.

Park started their season 6-0, the best in school history. Nick Kouratou is batting .619 for the Pirates. They don’t play again until Feb. 27.

Savannah College of Art and Design is also off to their best start in school history, 11-1. They host Embry-Riddle Feb. 20-21.

Azusa Pacific is 9-1 after sweeping a double-header against Concordia-Irvine, 1-0 and 6-4. In the first game, LHP Peter Gehle allowed two hits in 7 2/3 innings, and had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning. The game was scoreless going into the ninth, and Concordia starter Dan Orlick had allowed only two hits. The Cougars loaded the bases on Orlick with no outs, and pinch-runner Todd Stiles came in on a double play. Garrett Lebsock got the win for the Cougars.

The Cougars host The Master’s on Feb. 19, San Diego Christian on Feb. 21, and Fresno Pacific on Feb. 25.

The Master’s is 13-2, and have won nine straight. Joe Zeller is hitting .408 with 17 RBI for the Mustangs. Tyler Bersano is 4-0, 0.00 ERA over 19 innings pitched. They visit Azusa Pacific Feb. 19, and Biola Feb. 21.