EASTLAKE, Ohio — Receiving their first loss in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament, No. 11 East Texas Baptist fell to No. 1 Denison University, 13-2. ETBU scored two runs in the sixth inning but could not overcome Denison's five-run fourth inning and six-run eighth inning. The two teams will meet in the "if" game at 4:00 p.m. Central Time.
Carson Livesay led the Tigers at the plate, recording two hits, including a double, and scoring one run.
Carter Nannini contributed with an RBI double, adding a hit in his outing.
Cody Myers took the mound for 4 1/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits, while striking out three batters.
Nolan Bushko followed with 3 1/3 innings, conceding four earned runs on two hits, and striking out one.
Harris Woodside pitched for 1/3 inning, giving up two earned runs on three hits.
Carter May finished the game, pitching one inning and allowing one earned run on three hits.
Denison took control in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Erik Sundgren and a two-RBI homer from Nate Lloyd, contributing to a five-run burst. Denison led 5–0 by the end of the fourth. The fifth inning saw Denison extend its lead to 6–0, as Sundgren scored on Max Fishbein's RBI double.
ETBU responded in the sixth inning. Wilson singled and later scored on
Connor Massimini's groundout, followed by Livesay scoring on a double by Nannini. This reduced the deficit to 6–2 after six innings.
In the eighth, Denison widened its advantage with a six-run inning and added one more run in the ninth, sealing the game at 13–2.
ETBU Top Performers
Carson Livesay
- 2 hits
- 1 run
- 1 double
- 1 walk
Carter Nannini
- 1 hit
- 1 RBI
- 1 double
