In a game fitting for the crowning of a champion, Southern Indiana defeated Colorado Mesa to capture its second national title in five years. It was tight contest throughout, with neither club gaining an advantage of more than a single run. The Screaming Eagles earned a quick advantage in the top of the first, but the deficit was soon erased by the country’s top-hitting club as the Mavs scored two to take the lead in the bottom of the third. After that it was nearly all zeroes on the board as pitchers from both clubs kept the scoring to a minimum. Nevertheless, USI was able to manufacture a run late to tie the game and send it into extra innings to keep their diminishing title hopes alive.

The late innings belonged to finals MVP Matt Chavarria who came in to pitch in the ninth inning after starting the game at shortstop. Chavarria was able to keep the Mavs scoreless for the rest of the game, escaping multiple jams and keeping CMU from earning a walk-off win. He also went 3-5 at the plate and earned an RBI and stolen base in the decisive title game.

The game was decided in the top of the 12th when USI was able to plate a run after their leadoff hitter reached base via a hit-by-pitch. The advantageous Eagles were able to fill the bases and score the eventual winning run on a bases loaded walk.

It was a well-earned title for Southern Indiana who game into the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the nation. The GLVC stalwarts finished the regular season going 25-2 and grinded their way through the Midwest Regional to earn their third trip to the D-II National Championship Series since 2007 under Coach Tracy Archuleta. While in Cary the “Screagles” defeated the top four teams in the country to win the title. The Eagles also showed incredible moxie in their semifinal contest against Minnesota State as they were able to rally from a three run deficit against one of the nation’s top pitchers.

It was an especially disappointing finish in Cary for the defending champion Tampa Spartans who had their historic season come to a premature close. After establishing a new season record for winning percentage the Spartans were unquestionably the team to beat. After losing their opening game to USI, Tampa was able to string three wins together to put themselves back into contention for another title game, but UT was usurped when Colorado Mesa tallied runs in each of the final three innings to get eliminated. The final run which extinguished Tampa’s title hopes was scored when an ill advised tag-up from third by a Maverick runner turned fortuitous after the ball was dropped on a shallow throw fly from left field.