Week 5: Big Series of the Week
Corcordia (NE) 8-3 at Keiser (FL) 13-2
This year, the Big Series of the Week is brought to you by our friends at the Sho Me Collegiate League!
Keiser vs Concordia (NE)
West Palm Beach, FL – This week’s Big Series of the Week features two teams battling for national attention as we near closer to conference schedules beginning. You could make the case that Keiser should be (and as an alumnus of that program, I am) 15-0, but currently sits at 13-2. Meanwhile, Concordia-Nebraska (CUNE) started the year 1-3 but has rattled off 7 straight wins, including a doubleheader sweep of #16 (coaches poll)/ #7 (NAIA Ball Media Poll) Kansas Wesleyan. This sets up to be a fantastic series in one of my favorite places on Earth.
HISTORY
Keiser leads the all-time series 2-1, from when both of these squads met in 2023. Games one and two were both runaway games for each squad, while game three was a 7-6 KU win with an Edbarry Guzman walk-off home run. Despite the Keiser win in that series, both teams scored exactly 24 runs each.
SCHEDULE
All times are local.
3/1 Friday 2p
3/2 Saturday 11a
3/2 Saturday 2p
3/3 Sunday 11a
HOW TO WATCH
THE TEAMS
CUNE currently leads the nation in batting average through 11 games with an insane average of .391 as a team. They also rank 21st in extra base hits despite playing at least 4 fewer games than teams in front of them. Without a doubt, this CUNE team has been able to swing it over the years. Players like Joey Grabanski, Jayden Adams, and Jaidan Quinn have shown that offensive prowess for their club. Newcomer Matthew Rhoades has also been a force with 11 extra base hits to start his freshman campaign. On the bump, CUNE has a team earned run average of 4.50, and senior Blake Benson leads the team in innings, starts, and strikeouts. For Ryan Dupic’s squad, this team is an exciting one to watch as he continues to develop a promising group this season.
KEISER enters playing their last game 9 days earlier against rival St. Thomas (FL) in a non-conference midweek 10-5 win. The Seahawks enter as the 12th ranked team nationally in batting average hitting .344 as a team, and tied for 4th nationally with 70 extra base hits for the year. Much like their opponent this weekend, there is no shortage of offense in the lineup. Edbarry Guzman, Seth Lucero, Palmer Hutchinson, and Simon Grinberg have all been very successful at the plate. On the mound, Keiser has a team earned run average of 5.37, with Danny Galvan leading the way in earned run average, innings, and strikeouts for the boys from the Palm Beaches. Brook Fordyce’s squad has an opportunity to gain national attention in what will be the toughest series they will face to this point in the year.
STAFF PICKS
Robby – Keiser
Conner – CUNE
Taylor – CUNE
Tyler – CUNE
