Despite Loss, the Chase for the Championship Continues in NCCAA World Series

The Nelson Warriors' run in the 2026 NCCAA Baseball World Series hit a speed bump on Saturday afternoon in the winner's bracket, falling 14-1 to the top-seeded the University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles.

Fort Lauderdale jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings, but the Warriors, behind strong pitching from starter Eli Arsenault, kept the game within striking distance through good pitching and decisive defense plays, heading into the fifth. With the bases loaded and only one-out, Nelson finally got on the board in the top of the fifth when Brandon Ramirez delivered a sacrifice fly scoring Gerardo Paco to make it 3-1.

Unfortunately, that would be the only run the Warriors could muster. The Eagles responded with a six-run explosion in the bottom of the fifth and added five more in the sixth, blowing the game open. When the Warriors failed to score again, finding it difficult all game to get to Eagles ace Cameron Hillery, the contest ended after the top of the seventh via the run-rule.

Nelson managed just four hits in the game while Fort Lauderdale pounded out 17 hits, with every starter recorded at least one, and two home runs.

Despite the tough loss, Nelson's first-ever appearance in the NCCAA Baseball World Series is not over. The men now move over to the consolation bracket and will play again on Monday afternoon against the winner of a Monday morning game between #3 Ecclesia College Royals and #10 Kansas Christian College Falcons. In the double-elimination tournament, should the Warriors win out, they can still be crowned champions.

Fans can follow all live stats, box scores, and tournament updates here:

https://thenccaa.org/tournaments/?id=4900&path=baseball

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.