Midwest
RV Davenport (11-4) (GLIAC)
Davenport recently won three of four games against Indianapolis, with their only loss coming by just one run. The Panthers also defeated Ashland and played Tampa close the week prior. This team has been impressive, and they’re currently the top team in the Midwest Region.
It will be interesting to see how Davenport fares this weekend in Quincy, Illinois. They’ll face Quincy University twice and also play No. 3-ranked Central Missouri twice. It’s another huge test for the Panthers, who bring a 3.06 team ERA (5th in Division II) into this challenging weekend.
Wisconsin-Parkside (13-1) (GLIAC)
The Rangers just dominated Lincoln (MO) and are riding a nine-game winning streak, with a 13-1 record. While they haven’t faced the toughest competition, they’ve been hitting on all cylinders, with a .398 team batting average through 14 games—an impressive feat. Peter Fusek is leading the charge with a .482 batting average, including eight extra-base hits. The Rangers are averaging 3.50 doubles per game (the most in the nation) and 10.7 runs per game (3rd in D2). They scored 70 runs in a four-game series, a testament to their offensive dominance. Wisconsin-Parkside, which went 21-30 overall and 10-20 in GLIAC play last season, kicks off conference play this weekend against Purdue Northwest.
Drury (9-9) (GLVC)
Drury had a strong sweep at home over William Jewell, including a couple of close one-run wins and a few dominant 10 run victories. Nick Gales tossed a seven-inning complete-game shutout in the second game of the series. The Panthers have already racked up four complete games this season and are the only team that’s 4-0 in GLVC play.
Lake Erie (8-6) (G-MAC)
With Ashland’s recent struggles, it’s worth keeping an eye on Lake Erie in the G-MAC. Their pitching staff has been outstanding. They won a series against Wheeling, with the only loss being by a single run. Lake Erie opened the season with an impressive series win at UNC Pembroke, and their pitching staff has been tough to hit, allowing just 85 hits in 109.2 innings (.209 opponent batting average). Their 6.98 hits allowed per nine innings is the best in D2.
UIndy (6-9) (GLVC)
While we’re not writing off the Greyhounds just yet, their fielding issues remain a concern. They’ve committed 38 errors in 15 games, which makes it hard to win. On the bright side, the team has shown speed with 39 stolen bases, but they’re hitting just .260 as a team, and their ERA stands at 8.71. Keep an eye on the reigning Region champions, though—they could still find their stride.
South Central
#4 UT Tyler (19-6) (LSC)
The Patriots split a series with West Texas A&M in what was a highly competitive Lone Star Conference matchup. UT Tyler remains one of the top teams in Division II, boasting a top-20 team ERA and batting average.
#5 Angelo State (20-6) (LSC)
Angelo State lost three of four at Lubbock Christian, where standout player Brevin McCool is making a strong case for National Player of the Year. The Rams won the series opener by 10 runs but dropped three one-run games thereafter. McCool leads the nation with 17 home runs, with Adam Paniagua of Regis (CO) right behind him with 14.
East
#15 Southern New Hampshire (7-4) (NE10)
Team ERA: 3.13 (7th in D2)
Fielding Percentage: .987 (2nd in D2)
Pitching and defense are key for Southern New Hampshire. While a couple of one-run losses aren’t cause for concern, their biggest series of the year is this weekend at East Stroudsburg. Two of the best teams in the nation will face off in a big three-game set.
Nate Watcher is hitting at a high level for SNHU right now. He's 18-41 (.439) with nine extra base hits with 16 RBIs. Austin Trumpour is 2-1 through three starts with a 1.50 ERA. 22ks and four walks. He's in Beast MODE right now, and went 7 shutouts against Mansfield last time out. Keep an eye on the 6'4 junior.
Caldwell (6-2) (CACC)
Team Batting Average: .349 (7th in D2)
On-Base Percentage: .454 (11th in D2)
John Rigas has been dominant, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Laim James is driving in 2.00 RBIs per game with a .350 batting average and 12 RBIs on the season. Their only two losses are to East Stroudsburg and Molloy, quality teams. ESU was a blowout though, on Tuesday (24-3).
Dominican (NY) (6-4) (CACC)
Dominican is on a five-game win streak, scoring eight or more runs in four of those games. Their team batting average is .346, ranking 8th in D2. Freshman Erick Diaz has been a standout, hitting .556 with 16 RBIs, 10 walks, and only eight strikeouts. He’s currently one of the most impressive freshmen in the nation. If you can name a better one right now, please let us know (@diviibaseball on X). I can't.
Other teams to watch in the East Region:
St. Thomas Aquinas: 1.17 doubles plays per game (2nd in D2)
Bentley: 2.62 doubles per game (8th in D2)
New Haven: Team ERA: 3.02 (4th in D2), Hits Allowed per Nine: 7.46 (9th in D2), Strikeouts per Nine: 11.9 (3rd in D2)
Southern Connecticut State: 1.42 HR/G (15th in D2), .517 slugging percentage (20th in D2)
Atlantic
#11 West Chester (10-3) (PSAC)
West Chester’s program is a model of consistency. Sean Szestowicki is hitting .388 and has helped turn nine double plays in the field. He hasn't made an error either. Julian Costa has been outstanding on the mound, posting a 0.95 ERA and 0.53 WHIP across three starts. He’s 3-0 with two complete games and 22 strikeouts compared to just two walks.
#12 East Stroudsburg (12-2) (PSAC)
Team ERA: 2.41 (Leads Nation)
Fielding Percentage: .986 (3rd in D2)
East Stroudsburg’s pitching and defense have been outstanding, but they’ll face a major test over the next two weekends. This weekend, they’ll take on nationally ranked Southern New Hampshire, followed by a matchup against West Chester to open PSAC play. Parker Frey has 18 hits already, hitting .419 through 14 games. Caden Parker has been solid in the end (3 saves), while Gavin Sopko and Ryan Dewees both have been quality starters.
#21 Millersville (10-3) (PSAC)
Millersville has some big offensive contributors, including Matthew Williams (5 HR), Sam Morris (.415 AVG), and Jeff Sabater (.392 AVG, 15-15 on stolen bases). They lead the nation with more than five stolen bases per game as a team.
#22 Seton Hill (8-3) (PSAC)
Team ERA: 3.00 (3rd in D2)
WHIP: 1.14 (3rd in D2)
Seton Hill’s pitching staff is among the best in the nation. With a four-game set against D’Youville this weekend and a PSAC matchup against Indiana (PA) the following weekend, it will be telling if they can continue their dominance. Ian Korn and Jon McCullough are an excellent 1-2 punch on the mound, both undefeated with sub 1.00 WHIPs. This makes them very dangerous in a super regional setting, while the Owen's have been carrying the load offensively. (Owen Henne, .372 and Owen Mandler, .326)
RV Frostburg State (8-3) (MEC)
Frostburg State’s pitching staff stood out during a series at East Stroudsburg, allowing only six runs in three games. Their 3.13 team ERA is ranked in the top-10 in D2. Mikey Guy leads the offense with a .386 batting average and six extra-base hits, while Zach Dodson is 3-0 with a 0.57 ERA in three starts.
Shoutout to California (PA):Their .367 team batting average is 3rd in D2, and they can rake with the best of them.
Conclusion
As the season progresses, these regions will continue to provide exciting matchups and standout performances. Keep an eye on these teams as they battle for supremacy and prepare for postseason play.
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