In a season full of exciting moments for Seattle University baseball, the biggest came this past Sunday when the team earned its first regular season conference title.
The Redhawks (35-19, 21-6 WAC) used a 6-3 win against Sacramento State to take the top seed in the Western Atlantic Conference (WAC), needing every win as they finished just one game over the No. 2 seed New Mexico State.
The record setting season was the best in program history since they switched to Division 1 seven years ago and head coach Donny Harrel took over.
“Today was not only a great day for our players but a tremendous way to honor all the teams, families, alums, donors and our administration for the development and growth of our program over the last seven years,” Harrel said.
The Redhawks’ offense exploded early, scoring all six of their runs in the first two innings. The pitching staff would carry them the rest of the way scattering three runs over the final six innings. Senior Sheldon Stober and sophomore Sean Sutton each had two hits and two RBIs to lead the team. In total, five different players had multiple hits in the game.
“This championship really allowed me to reflect on that first 11-39 team we had and their commitment and belief that we could build a championship team here at Seattle U,” Harrel said. “With every team, the belief grew stronger and now it is a reality. This first conference championship is truly for our entire Redhawk family and all those who helped us get to this amazing day.”
After dropping the first game of the series 6-3, the pressure was on for the team to win the final two and secure their second consecutive No. 1 seed in the tournament.
The team now turns their attention towards the WAC Tournament next weekend. They will get a bye in the first round and then look to secure a WAC Championship and the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament berth.
They open play on Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m, playing the lowest seed to advance from the first round. There will then be games on Friday, with the Championship game on Sunday.
Nick Meservey (7-2), the sophomore southpaw, earned the last WAC player of the week honors for his effort in Friday’s game which was important in securing the No. 1 seed. He went eight scoreless innings and tied a career high with nine strikeouts.
Meservy was also named First Team All-Wac and received WAC Pitcher of the Year honors. Junior Brock Carpenter, Sutton, and Stober joined Meservy on the First Team All-WAC list, with Harrel earning WAC Coach of the Year honors.
Willy may be reached at [email protected]
