2Baseball Makes NCAA Tournament For First Time Since 1990; Faces Fifth Seed Franklin Pierce
INDIANAPOLIS – Thomas Jefferson University baseball team enters their third NCAA Tournament in school history, first time since 1990 as the Rams earned the fourth seed in the East Regional Tournament. They will play at Southern New Hampshire University in Hooksett, New Hampshire on May 16-18. The bracket was announced late Sunday night on NCAA.com.
The Rams (32-15) will take on fifth seeded Franklin Pierce University (28-18) in the East Regional #1 bracket on Thursday, May 16. The bracket will be a double-elimination tournament with the Rams, Ravens, and number one overall seed in the East Region Southern New Hampshire University (31-17).
Jefferson has had one of their best seasons in program history, being in the top-6 in every category in the CACC and top-15 in eight categories with the Rams being ranked eighth in Division II in scoring with 9.5. Jefferson earned the at-large bid after making the CACC Championship title game and being ranked in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) for majority of the season, especially in the second half of the year. This is the first NCAA Tournament appearance for head coach Pat Horvath during his tenure with the Rams, as well as the first time Jefferson makes an appearance in 34 years.
Franklin Pierce comes into the tournament earning an automatic bid after making it to the NE10 Championship title game. The Rams and Ravens meet once again after having two doubleheaders earlier this season, with both teams going 2-2 in their head-to-head contests. Jefferson won 12-8 and 9-3 over Franklin Pierce while the Ravens earned 4-2 and 8-3 victories against the Rams.
Southern New Hampshire is the host team in this bracket after competing in the NE10 First Round matchup. Jefferson look to take on the Penmen once more this season after facing them earlier in the year. Southern New Hampshire went 3-1 against the Rams, taking the first doubleheader 7-6 and 11-8 while earning a win 9-4 in the first game of the second day. Jefferson stole the second game and earned the last victory between both teams with an 8-7 win against the Penmen.
THE MATCHUPS
Thursday, May 16
Game One – #5 Franklin Pierce vs #4 Jefferson
Game Two – Loser of Game One vs #1 Southern New Hampshire
Friday, May 17
Game Three – Winner of Game One vs Winner/Loser of Game Two
Saturday, May 18
Game Four – TBD vs TBD
Game Five *if necessary* – TBD vs TBD
THE TEAMS
#1 Southern New Hampshire (31-17) - At-Large (NE10) - 6th Appearance
#2 Molloy (39-12) - ECC Champions – 4th Appearance
#3 Post (28-19) CACC Champions – 1st Appearance
#4 Jefferson (32-15) - At-Large (CACC) - 3rd Appearance
#5 Franklin Pierce (28-18) - At-Large (NE10) - 19th Appearance
#6 Goldey-Beacom (33-19) - At-Large (CACC) - 3rd Appearance
#7 New Haven (29-23) - NE10 Champions – 31st Appearance
THE BRACKET
Full 56-Team Bracket
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors (55+) and students. Children under 5-years-old will be admitted free of charge. Tickets will go on sale 90 minutes before the first game each day and will be available at the ticket booth at the entrance to Penmen Field. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
