SAVANNAH, Ga. — Tiger baseball had their final tune up today and got their first taste of the historical Grayson Stadium, the venue of the Savannah Bracket of the NAIA Opening Round.
Campbellsville, which earned the bracket's one seed, will play the winner of Taylor University and Point University tomorrow night, May 17th, at 7:00 ET.
Live Video $$
Live Stats
@CTigersBaseball
University of South Carolina Beaufort is the host and No. 2 seed in the Savannah Bracket. The Sand Sharks will matchup with three-seeded Freed-Hardeman in game two of the tournament at 3:00. Four-seeded Taylor University and five-seeded Point University meet in game one at 11 a.m. ET.
Overall throughout the six years the Tigers have competed in the Opening Round, Campbellsville boasts an even 9-9 record. This season CU carries in a 36-15 record and are winners of seven straight games.
Fourth-seed Point University earned its bid by falling in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament Championship game to No. 5 Tennessee Wesleyan. The Skyhawks are making their second appearance (1-2) and have a 30-28 record this season.
As a team, the Skyhawks are hitting .290 as a team and are led by Bryce Jay's .346 average. The big bat in the middle of the order comes from Rillani Famillia, who has nine home runs and 41 RBI this season. Juan Reyes (6), Anthony Pardon (5) and Christian Carbral (3) also have multiple long balls this year.
On the mound, Point has a one-two punch of Dylan Griffin (7-2, 4.74 ERA) and Josh Nestlehutt (8-6, 3.03 ERA).
The fifth-seeded Taylor Trojans are making their fifth appearance in the Opening Round and are 4-8 in those appearances. The Trojans won the Crossroads League Regular Season Championship and are 40-16-1 on the season.
The Trojans are led by Sam Wiese at the plate with a .359 average. The big bats in the middle of the order for Taylor are Lincoln Reed (.329 and 7 HRs) and Nick Hollowell (.270 and 8 HRs). Brian Moore is a major threat for Taylor, as he has started in all 57 games and is 29-of-33 in stolen bases this season.
On the hill, Taylor will turn to a pair of aces Luke Hunter (9-1, 2.53 ERA) and Jordan Crabb (6-2, 2.77 ERA). As a team, the Trojans boast an ERA of 3.14 compared to 4.56 for Point.
The event, which is a five-team double-elimination format, takes place on May 17-20 at nine host locations across America. The nine Opening Round champions join Lewis-Clark State in the 60th annual Avista-NAIA Baseball World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, May 27 – June 3.
In addition to coverage of the NAIA Baseball Opening Round, CU Sports Information Director, and Tiger travel companion, Jordan Alves, will keep fans updated with periodic behind-the-scenes features on http://www.campbellsvilletigers.com/f/Baseball_History/2016_Opening_Round.php?
Also, photo galleries will be posted on Facebook at Campbellsville Tigers and fans can follow the Tigers on Twitter @CTigersBaseball and @CvilleTigers.
