NAIA BALL PlAYER, PITCHER & TEAM OF THE WEEK
Voted by NAIA Ball and Community
Player of the Week
Week 12 – NAIA Ball Player of the Week
A.J. Brinson - Lourdes (OH) - A.J. Brinson of Lourdes (OH) didn’t put up the loudest numbers of the week, but his consistency and ability to deliver in key moments earned him NAIA Ball Player of the Week honors. Brinson went 9-for-20 across the slate, opening with a hit against Division I Bowling Green and closing in emphatic fashion by hitting for the cycle against Defiance (OH). His final line—featuring a double, triple, home run, and three RBIs—reflects a well-rounded offensive showing rather than a single explosive performance. In a week without overwhelming stat lines across the board, Brinson’s steady production and milestone moment ultimately set him apart. Cooper Carter - NAIA Ball Staff Writer
Pitcher of the Week
Week 12 – NAIA Ball Pitcher of the Week
Noah Dowler - IU Southbend - Noah Dowler of Indiana University South Bend turned in one of the most dominant starts of the NAIA season, firing a complete-game, nine-inning shutout against Trinity Christian (IL). Dowler carried a no-hitter into the eighth before surrendering his lone hit of the afternoon, finishing with 11 strikeouts against four walks while allowing just that single baserunner via hit. He controlled the tempo throughout, missing bats when needed and limiting any chance of sustained offense. It was the kind of outing that doesn’t just win a game—it defines a week, and firmly places Dowler at the top of the NAIA Pitcher of the Week conversation. Cooper Carter - NAIA Ball Staff Writer
Team of the Week
Week 12 – NAIA Ball Team of the Week
Johnson (TN) - Appalachian - Johnson (TN) backed up its national standing with a flawless 4-0 week, highlighted by a statement series sweep over No. 11 Tennessee Wesleyan. The week opened with a decisive 14-3 midweek win over Milligan (TN), setting the tone before Johnson navigated a tightly contested three-game set against TWU, taking it 8-5, 4-3, and 4-1. The defining moment came in game two, when Johnson, on the brink of an upset, rallied late with a go-ahead run in the eighth to secure the 4-3 victory and maintain control of the series. It was a complete showing—timely offense, steady pitching, and resilience under pressure—that keeps Johnson firmly at No. 4 in the country and atop the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Cooper Carter - NAIA Ball Staff Writer
