Golden Eagles in D3 World Series

Barely one week ago, Brockport was on its way to their first ever NCAA baseball playoff appearance. Three games later, they are headed to Appleton, Wisconsin as one of eight teams from around the country in the NCAA Division III College World Series.

The Golden Eagles got three complete game victories from their starting staff in a win over Cortland in the first game and in two wins over 6th ranked nationally Ithaca to win their NCAA Regional held at Joseph Bruno Stadium in Troy, NY.

Ben Kimball, Shawn Mahoney and Jeff Wilson each threw complete games for Brockport and the offense came alive scoring no fewer than eight runs in any of the three games. SUNYAC Player of the Year, Matt Johnson hit a two-out double to score Joe Lux from first base and then was able to steal home on the tail end of a double steal to give Brockport a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the clinching victory.

Johnson, who was 1-11 previously in the Regional, then hit a long two-run home run to right field giving Brockport all the runs they would need in their 8-2 win.

Rob Astalos, who made several circus catches in center field during the three games, was named to the All-Tournament Team with Kimball, Mahoney, designated hitter Andy Peterson, catcher/first baseman Jeff Schwegler and shortstop Tim Wilson. Jeff Wilson was named the Regional's Most Outstanding Player allowing seven hits and one walk while striking out six in the last game. "It was a lot easier to pitch knowing that we could put the runs across," said Wilson. "I think last week's double session practices really helped out hitters."

"Right now we're just flying high and we don't know what to do," said head coach Mark Rowland in a radio interview after the game. "We've never been in this situation before, never been in the tournament before."

Brockport was to play Aurora College from Aurora, Illinois in the first round of the double elimination World Series. The other six colleges to compete are Eastern Connecticut State University, George Fox University (Newberg, Oregon), Manchester College (North Manchester, Indiana), Rowan University (Glassboro, NJ) and Salisbury University (Salisbury, Maryland).

Brockport is one of three schools making their first appearance in the World Series with George Fox University and Manchester College. Eastern Connecticut State University has won the title four times in ten appearances. First round opponent Aurora College is making their fifth appearance.