About the Warriors: ESU (41-12) finished as the runner-up in the PSAC Tournament after dropping a heartbreaker to West Chester, 12-11, last Saturday in Slippery Rock, Pa. In the process, the Warriors tied the single season wins record, set in 2022, following a 2-0 victory over IUP in an elimination game. For a majority of the season, ESU was nationally ranked by various polls (ABCA, D2 Baseball Insider, The Perfect Game) after the Warriors won a program-record 25 straight games from February 19 to April 8.
ESU ranks in the top-five of numerous major statistical categories in the PSAC and nationally the Warriors are tied for first in shutouts (12), fifth in ERA (3.71), seventh in WHIP (0.774), ninth in winning percentage (0.774), 10th in hits allowed per nine innings (8.16), 15th in fielding percentage (0.974), 18th in walks allowed per nine innings (3.34) and 26th in stolen bases (113).
The Warriors had six players named to last week’s all-conference teams with Brent Francisco highlighting the awards as the redshirt senior was tabbed as the PSAC East Pitcher of the Year while joining junior Jack Rothenhausler (3B), sophomore Shanley Wall (OF) and Caden Parker (RP) on the All-PSAC East First Team. Sophomore Ryan Dewees (SP) and redshirt junior Cameron Hubbard (DH) were selected to the All-PSAC East Second Team.
Making Program History: For the first time in program history, the Warriors will serve as the host for one of the two NCAA Atlantic Region pods after earning the No. 2 seed.
About Frostburg State: Frostburg State, who is a first-time NCAA Tournament qualifier, was tabbed as the No. 7 seed with a 37-14 record. The Bobcats recorded the most win in program history since 2015 and made their first NEC Tournament appearance since 2016 after winning the North Division.
About Millersville: Millersville (37-14) enters as the No. 3 seed and are making their 11th consecutive NCAA regional appearance which is the third-longest streak in Division II. The Marauders made a first-round exit in the PSAC Tournament and are 8-9 over the last 17 games but have won regional titles in 2011, 2016 and 2023. Millersville is set to battle No. 6 seed Seton Hill in a rematch of the 2023 Super Regional on Thursday at 2 p.m.
About Seton Hill: Making their 13th trip to the NCAA Atlantic Regional in program history, Seton Hill (36-14) comes in as the No. 6 seed after capturing the PSAC West regular season title for the second straight year. Seton Hill will meet Millersville for the 11th time in the NCAA Tournament with the Griffins holding a 6-5 advantage and looking to avenge last season’s Super Regional loss.
Creek Show: ESU has nearly been unbeatable at Creekview Park this season as the Warriors enter the regional with a 21-3 record on their home turf. The Warriors outscored the opposition 143-46 at home in 2024 and since 2019, ESU holds a home record of 93-32-2 when playing in Stroudsburg.
ESU NCAA Tournament History: The Warriors will be making their third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament and seventh overall after previously being selected in 1985, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2022, 2023 and now 2024. ESU holds a record of 10-13 in NCAA Tournament games, which included going 1-2 a season ago. The Warriors are still seeking their first trip to the NCAA Baseball Championships in program history as ESU advanced to the Atlantic Super Regional in 2022.
Up Next: ESU will look to advance to the Super Regional for the second time in the past three seasons. Depending on the Atlantic pod one winner between No. 1 West Chester, No. 4 Charleston and No. 5 IUP, the Warriors have the potential to host the Super Regional next week.
