SAC Tournament Preview
- Robert Frey
- May 2
- 9 min read
Get set for the South Atlantic Conference Baseball Championship, featuring a multi-stage format to crown the winner. The tournament kicks off with opening round brackets from May 2nd to May 4th, hosted by the top two seeds: No.1 Catawba in Salisbury, N.C., and No.2 Lenoir-Rhyne in Hickory, N.C.. Each site will host a four-team, double-elimination bracket. The winners emerging from these two brackets will then advance to face off in a best-of-three Championship Series from May 9th to May 10th at the neutral site of McCrary Park in Asheboro, N.C., to determine the SAC champion.
#1 Seed Catawba
Catawba College dominated the South Atlantic Conference regular season, claiming the No. 1 seed with a 25-5 conference record and finishing 37-12 overall. As the top seed, they will host an opening weekend bracket in Salisbury, N.C. Their tournament journey begins against the No. 8 seed, Newberry, in Game 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Catawba Indians have a great offense in the league, ranking 2nd in team batting average (.311) and 2nd in team OPS (.876). Their pitching staff is equally impressive, featuring the 2nd best ERA (4.45), ranking 2nd in strikeouts (438), leading the league with the 1st ranked opponent batting average (.248), and holding the 2nd best K/BB ratio (2.41). Defensively, they are the best in the conference with the 1st ranked fielding percentage (.984).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Cole Hales: Leads the high-powered offense with a stellar batting average (.404 BA), excellent overall production (1.100 OPS), and paces the team with 42 RBI.
Sam Hunter: A major threat on the bases, leading the team with 32 stolen bases.
Dylan Driver: Provides power in the lineup with 10 home runs.
Pitching:
Hayden Simmerson: Has been excellent over 49.0 innings, posting a low ERA (3.49 ERA) and outstanding command (4.54 K/BB).
Payne Stolsworth: A workhorse over 81.0 innings with a very low ERA (3.22 ERA) and solid command (2.65 K/BB).
Casey Gouge: Demonstrates good command across 63.0 innings (2.55 K/BB).
Seth Sharpe: Shows good control over 31.0 innings pitched (2.85 K/BB).
Led by offensive catalyst Cole Hales (.404 BA, 1.100 OPS, 42 RBI) and standout pitchers Hayden Simmerson (3.49 ERA, 4.54 K/BB) and Payne Stolsworth (3.22 ERA, 2.65 K/BB), Catawba is the team to beat as they begin their postseason run against Newberry.
#2 Seed Lenoir-Rhyne
Lenoir-Rhyne University enters the South Atlantic Conference Tournament as the No. 2 seed after an excellent regular season, finishing 23-7 in conference play and 40-10 overall. As the second seed, they will host an opening weekend bracket in Hickory, N.C. Their first game is against the No. 7 seed, UVA-Wise, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Bears field an elite team, having the most home runs in Division II Baseball with 108. They also boast the SAC's 1st ranked offense in both team batting average (.355) and team OPS (1.094). Their pitching staff leads the conference, ranking 1st in strikeouts (444) and 1st in K/BB ratio (2.45). They also limit opposing hitters well, ranking 3rd in opponent batting average (.264).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Mackenzie Wainwright: Has had a phenomenal season, hitting for an exceptional average (.444 BA), leading the team in home runs (21 HR) and stolen bases (22 SB), and posting an incredible OPS (1.420 OPS).
Sal Carricato: Provides massive power (20 HR), hits for a high average (.397 BA), leads the team with 77 RBI, and has an outstanding OPS (1.290 OPS).
Cole Sanford: Hits for a very high average (.405 BA), produces an excellent OPS (1.313 OPS), and hits for power (16 HR).
Owen Blackledge: Hits for a high average (.379 BA), provides power (10 HR), and strong overall production (1.182 OPS).
Cole Laskowski: Hits for a high average (.352 BA).
Eli Willen: Contributes excellent overall production (1.073 OPS).
Joseph Mozingo: Adds strong overall production (1.034 OPS).
Pitching:
Gavin Marley: Excels out of the bullpen over 25.1 innings with a very low ERA (2.13 ERA), a high strikeout rate (38.4 K%), and good command (2.92 K/BB).
Andrew Harlow: A workhorse over 81.0 innings with a low ERA (3.11 ERA) and outstanding command (5.88 K/BB).
Will Girardi: Logs significant innings (70.1 IP) with a very low ERA (2.82 ERA).
Kellen Gradisar: Demonstrates solid command over 62.1 innings (3.44 K/BB).
Lenoir-Rhyne comes into the tournament as a host site featuring the top offense in the SAC (1st BA, 1st OPS) and a dominant pitching staff that leads the league in strikeouts (1st SO) and command (1st K/BB) while ranking 3rd in limiting opponent average. Their lineup is stacked, featuring incredible seasons from players like Mackenzie Wainwright (.444 BA, 1.420 OPS, 21 HR, 22 SB) and Sal Carricato (.397 BA, 1.290 OPS, 20 HR, 77 RBI). The pitching staff is deep with effective arms such as Andrew Harlow (3.11 ERA, 5.88 K/BB over 81.0 IP), Will Girardi (2.82 ERA over 70.1 IP), and Gavin Marley (2.13 ERA, 38.4 K%). They are well-equipped for their opening game against UVA-Wise and a strong postseason push.
#3 Seed Carson-Newman
Carson-Newman University enters the South Atlantic Conference Tournament as the No. 3 seed after putting together a 21-9 conference record and finishing 35-15 overall. They will travel to Hickory, N.C. for the opening weekend bracket hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne, facing the No. 6 seed, Wingate, in Game 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Eagles feature a strong offense, ranking 3rd in the SAC in both team batting average (.304) and team OPS (.840). Their pitching staff boasts the best ERA in the conference (4.02) and ranks 2nd in K/BB ratio (2.24).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Logan Floyd: Leads the offense, hitting for a very high average (.380 BA) and pacing the team with 48 RBI.
Cole Nathan: Also hits for a high average (.355 BA).
Pitching:
Kolton Casson: Has been dominant over 81.0 innings, posting a very low ERA (2.22 ERA) and elite command (5.19 K/BB).
Ryan Higgins: Boasts an exceptional ERA (0.83 ERA) and strong command (2.81 K/BB) across 43.1 innings.
Andrew Bench: Demonstrates solid command over 45.0 innings pitched (2.70 K/BB).
Carson-Newman enters the tournament with a top-tier offense (3rd BA, 3rd OPS) and an excellent pitching staff (1st ERA, 2nd K/BB). Led offensively by Logan Floyd (.380 BA, 48 RBI) and featuring standout pitcher Kolton Casson (2.22 ERA, 5.19 K/BB over 81.0 IP), the Eagles have the components to compete for the title, starting with their opening game against Wingate.
#4 Seed Limestone
Limestone University enters the South Atlantic Conference Tournament as the No. 4 seed after finishing with a 17-13 conference record and 25-24 overall. As the fourth seed, they will travel to Salisbury, N.C., for the opening weekend bracket hosted by Catawba. Their first game is against the No. 5 seed, Coker, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Saints field a competitive offense, ranking 4th in the SAC in team batting average (.297). They are exceptionally aggressive and successful on the bases, ranking Tied for 2nd in stolen bases (109). Defensively, they are solid, ranking 3rd in the conference in fielding percentage (.968).
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Corey Hodierne: Hits for a high average (.353 BA) and is a major threat on the bases (22 SB).
Ethan Bonocore: Hits for a high average (.362 BA).
Winstone Parke: Adds significant speed with 21 stolen bases.
Peter Adams: Another key stolen base threat with 21 steals.
Ben Patridge: Leads the team in run production with 38 RBI.
Pitching:
Kemper Nix: Has been excellent over 65.0 innings, posting a low ERA (3.32 ERA) and strong command (2.95 K/BB).
Conner Elliott: Pitches effectively over 34.1 innings with a very low ERA (2.62 ERA).
Limestone brings a top baserunning team (T-2nd SB) and a solid defense (3rd FLD%) to the tournament, complemented by a capable offense (4th BA). Key offensive contributors include high-average hitter Ethan Bonocore (.362 BA) and multiple stolen base threats like Corey Hodierne (.353 BA, 22 SB), Winstone Parke (21 SB), and Peter Adams (21 SB). On the mound, Kemper Nix (3.32 ERA, 2.95 K/BB over 65.0 IP) and Conner Elliott (2.62 ERA over 34.1 IP) lead the pitching staff. Due to the school announcing that they will cease operations at the end of the semester, the Saints will have a chip on their shoulder.
#5 Seed Coker
Coker University earned the No. 5 seed for the South Atlantic Conference Tournament after finishing 17-13 in league play and 29-20 overall. They will travel to Salisbury, N.C., for the opening weekend bracket hosted by Catawba, facing the No. 4 seed, Limestone, in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Cobras are exceptionally aggressive on the basepaths, leading the SAC with the 1st ranked total in stolen bases (137). Their pitching staff has also been effective, ranking 3rd in the conference with a 4.81 team ERA.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Jaylen Mack: Leads the offense, hitting for a very high average (.391 BA), providing excellent overall production (1.019 OPS), and pacing the team with 42 RBI.
Ick Cirino: Hits for a high average (.351 BA).
Gabriel Santiago: A major threat on the bases with 25 stolen bases.
Hunter Poole: Also adds significant speed with 22 stolen bases.
Pitching:
Britton Adams: Has been outstanding out of the bullpen over 51.1 innings, posting a very low ERA (1.75 ERA) and strong command (3.38 K/BB).
Tyler Satterly: Provides effective innings (49.2 IP) with a low ERA (3.44 ERA).
Graham Whittle: Demonstrates solid command across 34.2 innings (2.71 K/BB).
Coker enters the tournament with the SAC's most prolific baserunning team (1st SB) and a top-tier pitching staff (3rd ERA). While their overall offensive profile isn't among the league leaders, Jaylen Mack (.391 BA, 1.019 OPS, 42 RBI) provides a significant spark, and speedsters like Gabriel Santiago (25 SB) and Hunter Poole (22 SB) put pressure on defenses. Led on the mound by dominant reliever Britton Adams (1.75 ERA, 3.38 K/BB over 51.1 IP) and solid starter Tyler Satterly (3.44 ERA over 49.2 IP), the Cobras will look to utilize their speed and pitching depth against Limestone in the opening round
#6 Seed Wingate
Wingate University enters the South Atlantic Conference Tournament as the No. 6 seed after finishing the regular season with a 15-15 conference record and 25-24 overall. They will travel to Hickory, N.C. for the opening weekend bracket hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne, facing the No. 3 seed, Carson-Newman, in Game 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Jalen Evans: Hits for a high average (.363 BA).
Breon Ishmael: Leads the team in run production with 38 RBI.
Pitching:
Chad Harvey: Has been outstanding out of the bullpen over 39.0 innings, posting a very low ERA (2.08 ERA), a high strikeout rate (32.7 K%), and excellent command (3.12 K/BB).
Collin McDougall: Demonstrates good command over 70.2 innings (2.85 K/BB).
Carson Morton: Has pitched effectively over 25.0 innings with exceptional command (25.00 K/BB).
Wingate heads into the tournament known for its speed on the bases (3rd SB). While not ranking among the league leaders in many team categories, they have key individual contributors. Jalen Evans (.363 BA) leads the offense in average, while Breon Ishmael (38 RBI) is the top run producer. The pitching staff is highlighted by reliever Chad Harvey (2.08 ERA, 32.7 K%, 3.12 K/BB) and features others with good command like Collin McDougall (2.85 K/BB) and Carson Morton (25.00 K/BB). They'll look to put it all together against Carson-Newman in their opening game.
#7 Seed UVA Wise
UVA Wise enters the South Atlantic Conference Tournament as the No. 7 seed, having finished 14-16 in conference play and 26-22 overall. They will travel to Hickory, N.C. for the opening weekend bracket hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne, facing the second-seeded hosts in Game 2 on Friday, May 2nd, at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Team Highlights:
The Cavaliers excel defensively, ranking 2nd in the SAC with a .969 fielding percentage.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Joshua Morgan: Morgan leads the offense, hitting for a high average (.353 BA), providing excellent overall production (1.018 OPS), and pacing the team with 34 RBI.
Pitching:
Nash Bingham: Has been effective over 25.0 innings, posting a low ERA (3.24 ERA) and good command (2.55 K/BB).
UVA-Wise heads into the tournament with a strong defense (2nd FLD%). While not ranking highly in many team statistical categories, they are led offensively by Joshua Morgan (.353 BA, 1.018 OPS, 34 RBI) and feature Nash Bingham (3.24 ERA, 2.55 K/BB) on the pitching staff. They face a tough opening-round matchup against the host Lenoir-Rhyne.
#8 Seed Newberry
Newberry College enters the South Atlantic Conference Tournament as the No. 8 seed after finishing the regular season with a 14-16 conference record and 25-25 overall. As the eighth seed, they will travel to Salisbury, N.C. for the opening weekend bracket hosted by Catawba, facing the top-seeded hosts in Game 1 on Friday, May 2nd, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
Players to Watch:
Offense:
Bryson Nuckols: Hits for a high average (.372 BA) and provides excellent overall production (1.001 OPS).
Wilson Wages: A significant threat on the bases with 21 stolen bases.
Kade Faircloth: Leads the team in run production with 37 RBI.
Pitching:
Chansen Cole: Has been outstanding over 81.0 innings, posting a low ERA (3.00 ERA) and elite command (4.79 K/BB).
Newberry faces the tournament's top seed in the opening round. They will rely on key offensive contributors like Bryson Nuckols (.372 BA, 1.001 OPS) and Wilson Wages (21 SB), along with the standout pitching of Chansen Cole (3.00 ERA, 4.79 K/BB over 81.0 IP), as they look to make a run in Salisbury.
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