Baseball | 05.23.2019
BRACKET
LEWISTON, Idaho – For the first time in quite some time, the Lewis-Clark State Warriors will open the Avista NAIA World Series as the underdog. Seeded 10th in the group, the Warriors will have to battle their way through the nation's top teams for the shot at the program's 20th National Title.
The Warriors will face No. 7 Freed-Hardeman on Friday night at 7 p.m. The Lions fought their way to the 2018 National Title game before falling to Southeastern. FHU is making its second appearance in the tournament.
"After a long layoff since we've played last, we are excited to get out on the field tomorrow night against an outstanding opponent in Freed-Hardeman," coach Jake Taylor said. "The competition in this 10-team field is spectacular and the games that are about to unfold over the next week are sure to be memorable."
LC holds a 144-48 record heading into the 2019 Avista NAIA World Series and has captured 19 titles, with the last being in 2017.
Fresh off being named the NAIA West Player of the Year, senior Darren Trainor leads the Warriors batting .356 with 69 hits and 51 RBI. He is the only Warrior to have appeared in and started all 48 games this season.
Kyle Callahan has been providing power at the plate for LC all season long with his team-leading 12 home runs and .589 slugging percentage.
Tyler Burch NAIA West Co-Pitcher of the Year after leading the Warriors in wins with five. The senior carries a 2.93 ERA into the tournament after allowing 22 runs in 67.2 innings. He is no stranger to the Series stage, having participated in the annual event every one of his four years. He has been a member of two National Championship teams.
Also in the field of 10 is the defending National Champion Southeastern Fire. The Fire come in at the No. 3 seed after leading the coaches' polls all season. Tennessee Wesleyan holds the top seed, with Science and Arts in second. Both teams receive a bye in the first round.
The game can be streamed HERE and tickets for the Series can be purchased at the Harris Field ticket office. The Warriors will play following the Opening Ceremonies after game three between No. 3 Southeastern and No. 6 St. Thomas.
More information on the 2019 Avista NAIA World Series can be found at naiaworldseries.com.
