NAIA Baseball World Series Preview
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is just one day away from the first pitch of the 66th Annual Baseball World Series on Harris Field. The World Series is a 10-team, double-elimination tournament where the winner will receive the Red Banner by June 2.
Seeds were determined by the NAIA Baseball National Selection Committee (NSC). The NSC consists of one representative from each geographic area, a representative from the National Administrative Council (NAC) Postseason Selection and Ratings Committee, the president of the NAIA-Baseball Coaches Association and three at-large members. The committee evaluated teams throughout the year on various criteria.
Game one will square off Taylor (Ind.) as the seventh seed against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) the 10th seed. The Trojans are into the series for the first time in 54 years while the Pioneers are back for a second straight year and still looking for their first program win. The first pitch of the day is slated for 8:35 a.m. PST.
The second game, slated to start at 11:35 a.m. PST, will highlight two teams who are on the hunt for their first victory at the World Series. Third seeded Westmont (Calif.) is back for its second consecutive trip while the Patriots of Cumberlands (Ky.) are in Lewiston for the first time.
The afternoon game is scheduled to begin at 3:05 p.m. with the William Carey (Miss.) Crusaders battling the Bruins of Bellevue (Neb.). This year marks the third time in 45 seasons that WCU is playing in the World Series while Bellevue has reached it 16 total times. Both teams have won Red Banners previously.
Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) will host Indiana Wesleyan in the nightcap game at 7:05 p.m. following the Parade of Champions on the field. The Warriors have won 19 championships while the Wildcats are into the championship round for the first time in program history.
Those that suffer defeats on Friday, May 26th will play in elimination games the next morning, needing a victory to continue their championship goals.
Second seeded Georgia Gwinnett will see the victor of Taylor and MNU at 3:05 p.m. PST on Saturday while No. 1 and reigning NAIA National Champions Southeastern (Fla.) will play the winner of Indiana Wesleyan and LC State at 6:35 p.m. PST on May 27th.
NAIANetwork.com, the NAIA’s official video-streaming platform of NAIA national championship events powered by Stretch Internet, will be broadcasting all 19 games of the 2022 World Series. The All-World Series package can be purchased for $34.95 or the day package for $9.95. Games 16 – 19 will also be broadcast on ESPN3.