KANSAS CITY, Mo. – [SCHEDULE | BRACKET] The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is just one day away from the first pitch of the 66th annual baseball World Series at Harris Field. The World Series is a 10-team double-elimination tournament, with the winner receiving the red banner by June 2nd.
Seeds were determined by the NAIA Baseball National Selection Committee (NSC). The NSC consists of one representative from each geographic area, one representative from the National Administrative Council (NAC) Postseason Selection and Ratings Committee, the president of the NAIA-Baseball Coaches Association, and three members. The committee evaluated teams throughout the year based on various criteria.
Game one pits seventh-seeded Taylor (Ind.) against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) on the 10th.th frog. The Trojans are in the series for the first time in 54 years, while the Pioneers are back for the second year in a row and still looking for their first program win. The first pitch of the day is scheduled for 8:35 am PST.
The second match, scheduled to start at 11:35 a.m. PST, will highlight two teams looking for their first World Series victory. Third-seeded Westmont (Calif.) is back for its second straight 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 taking on the Bruins of Bellevue (Neb.). This year marks the third time in 45 seasons that WCU has played in the World Series, while Bellevue has made it 16 times overall. Both teams have previously won red banners.
Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) will host Indiana Wesleyan in the night cap game at 7:05 PM following the Parade of Champions on the field. The Warriors have won 19 championships, while the Wildcats are in the championship round for the first time in program history.
Those who suffer defeat on Friday, May 26th will play in elimination games the next morning, needing a win to continue their championship goal.
Second-seeded Georgia Gwinnett will see the win by 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 PM PST on May 27th.
NAIANetwork.com, the NAIA’s official video streaming platform for NAIA National Championship events powered by Stretch Internet, will broadcast all 19 games of the 2022 World Series. The All-World Series Pack can be purchased for $34.95 or the Day Pack for $9.95. Games 16 – 19 will also be televised on ESPN3.
