So here we are. On Friday, eight teams will take the field in Appleton, Wis., in the likes of Mass-Boston, Cortland, Johns Hopkins, Shenandoah, Heidelberg, Illinois Wesleyan, UW-Stevens Point and Linfield. And whoever wins will be taking the trophy back home for the first time.
Two teams, Heidelberg and Mass-Boston, are making their first trip. Heidelberg's arrival has been expected for some time but the team photo for Mass-Boston is seen next to the dictionary entry of "Cinderella."
Shenandoah, Linfield and Illinois Wesleyan are now two-time participants. Shenandoah is making their second straight visit and Linfield their second in three years but it has been a long nine years for the Titans. Johns Hopkins is making its third trip, UW-Stevens Point is making its fourth and Cortland State will be making its 10th trip in the past 15 years.
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Highlights and interviews from regional finals
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Friday's schedule
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Discuss the Championship round on D3boards.com
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Follow @d3baseball on Twitter for frequent updates
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Day 5: IWU, JHU claim final spots
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Day 4: Six tickets punched for Appleton
Two teams are the top of the polls and we will see them play on the first day. It is no surprise to see Johns Hopkins, with its No. 1 ranking, in Appleton. The Blue Jays have the pitching to get deep into the winners bracket and the second-best offense in D-III that can bail out any pitcher. They will see No. 2 Heidelberg on the first day. The 'Berg has stayed at the top of the rankings all year and have finally emerged from the shadow of Wooster and Marietta. The winner of the two best programs will emerge as a favorite to make the championship game.
No. 11 Cortland State has brought a solid team to Appleton and with just one goal in mind, bringing back Walnut and Bronze. The Red Dragons cruised through the New York Regional and will face a UW-Stevens Point team that has started fast in its two previous double-elimination tournaments. The Pointers, with the backing of the local crowd and a large contingent of hometown fans, are our Cinderella. Their first round match-up will feature the only two at-large (Pool C) teams that captured their regional championships.
First-round matchups for the championship round (all times Central):
Game 1, 10:00 a.m.: Cortland State vs. UW-Stevens Point
Game 2, 1:15 p.m.: Mass-Boston vs. Linfield
Game 3, 4:30 p.m.: Heidelberg vs. Johns Hopkins
Game 4, 7:45 p.m.: Shenandoah vs. Illinois Wesleyan
Mass-Boston has won a school-record nine straight games coming into the final round and starts with No. 16 Linfield. The Wildcats boast the best defense and the sixth-best pitching staff in D-III and will provide a challenge for the Beacons from the start.
No. 9 Shenandoah was a favorite to make the Championship back in January and has cruised through both its conference and regional tournaments. Solid coaching along with a top ranked offense will provide problem for Illinois Wesleyan. The Titans are unheralded coming in but after a difficult season has put it all together and could surprise any team that looks past them.
Players to Watch:
3B Willie Brecchun, Heidelberg (.442, 59R, 26 2B, 65 RBI)
SS Kelson Brown, Linfield (.446, 57 R, 24 2B, 60 RBI, 24 SB)
OF Dave Kahn, Johns Hopkins (.473, 72R, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 18 SB)
P Jason Pankau, Illinois Wesleyan (2.67 ERA, 9-2, 5 CG, 80 SO)
1B Jeremy Richter, UW-Stevens Point (.356, 53 R, 11 HR, 53 RBI)
OF Jason Simone, Cortland State (.464, 38 R, 50 RBI, 4 SO in 168 AB, 22 SB)
UTL Greg Van Sickler, Shenandoah (.411, 27 2B, 51 RBI, 3.09 ERA 8-2, 58 SO)
2B Ryan Walsh, Mass-Boston (.406, 71R, 20 2B, 59 RBI, 31 SB)