After another great season of College Baseball, the Crusaders fell just short of repeating as National Champions in 2011. Once the newness of yesterday's tough Championship Series loss wears off, this ball club will realize that they have much to be proud of this year. Though they didn't quite reach their ultimate goal of back-to-back NCCAA Titles, many things were accomplished this spring that can't help but continue moving the program forward. This much is sure, each one of them left us with life-long memories which can never be taken away.
Part of those memories include the way they fought valiantly through the World Series and battled to the very last pitch of the Championship Round. They would eventually lose the three-game Series 2 games to 1.
The Crusaders uncharacteristically made three errors in each of the Championship Series games (9 total for the 3 games-- this was against 4 errors made in the entire rest of the World Series). They were only able to overcome this to win Game 2.
Here's one final look back...
After dropping Game 1 by a score of 4-2, North Greenville bounced back to put on an offensive clinic in the late innings of Game 2 on Saturday morning. A key moment in this gem by Drew Provence showed his ability to pitch through adversity (much of it not of his own making). The bottom of the 5th inning was the evidence of this...with runners on second and third and only one out in a tie baseball game, Prov was able to retire the side with a pop up and a ground out to keep the score dead even. This also kept North Greenville from being behind very late in what- for them- was a potential season ending elimination game. This seemed to lift the Crusaders offensively as they came to life in the next half inning, putting up a 5-spot and securing Game 2 for themselves by a final of 11-4. This awakening of the bats forced the winner-take-all third game in the 2011 National Championship Series.
Game 3 saw NGU take an early 1-0 lead after Giles doubled to lead off the game and was brought home quickly on a single by Derek Fulmer. Oklahoma Wesleyan answered with a run of their own in the bottom half, and it became clear very quickly that we were going to be locked into a to-the-wire struggle decided by pitching and defense. The Eagles added one more in the bottom of the 2nd which resulted from of one of the three NGU mis-steps in the field. The next scoring came in the 5th, when Oklahoma Wesleyan pushed their final two runs across to secure a 4-1 Victory and the school's 1st ever NCCAA National Championship.
In the final game of the year the Crusaders were fittingly led by their seniors offensively. Giles doubled and scored the games only run for NGU; Callicutt was 2 for 3 on the afternoon. Adding to their contributions, Will Gladden had a key double and Fulmer pitched well enough to keep the Crusaders within striking distance after battling through some slight arm troubles throughout the post-season.
The moment of the game which will no doubt be indelibly placed into our memories as evidence of the heart with which Giles and the Seniors played throughout their careers at North Greenville came in the bottom of the 6th inning. With the bases loaded and no-one out, he induced a dribbler back to the mound. Bubba was able to get it quickly to Foulk, who made a perfect throw to first to complete the double play. They then worked together to strike out the next batter looking to end the inning with no damage done. This key moment kept the Crusaders in the baseball game, they just never could break through with the additional runs needed to win it.
The 2011 edition of Crusader Baseball left it all on the field, and that is all you can ask of your school's baseball club. They made sure they were able to play right down to the final out on the last possible day of the season, even forcing the last day to be extended to the final possible game.
This group has absolutely nothing to hang their heads about, especially the seniors, who will now graduate as the only players to ever take North Greenville to consecutive NCCAA World Series Title Games. They leave as the 2011 runner-up, but will forever be remembered as part of the 2010 NCCAA National Champions.
We will now be forced to wait for next Spring...when the game we love so much renews itself.
Looking ahead for the Crusaders...though hey most definitely loose some key contributors from this squad who will be sorely missed (Sr's: Brian Giles, Nate Richards, Tyler Callicutt and two of the Benjamin brothers); I can guarantee you this, when the cool winds roll through the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains again next February, there will still be plenty to be excited about.
See you this fall when Football rolls around...
Jason Patterson
5.21.2011
Crusaders Fall in Rubber Match...Oklahoma Wesleyan Takes National Title...
Derek Fulmer was excellent on the mound and the crusaders struck first in the Game, but the eventual result was not as the Crusaders hoped.
North Greenville falls 4-2 in Game 3 of the Championship Series.
3 Errors Doomed the Crusaders in the Rubber Match.
There is plenty to be proud of however, as the Crusaders had an amazing year...and came within just one game of completing their run toward a back-to-back repeat Championship.
I will close out the posting sometime tomorrow with more specific game details and a look back at the team's accomplishments in 2011.
Right now we are going to get on the road...long trip back to the upstate...
North Greenville falls 4-2 in Game 3 of the Championship Series.
3 Errors Doomed the Crusaders in the Rubber Match.
There is plenty to be proud of however, as the Crusaders had an amazing year...and came within just one game of completing their run toward a back-to-back repeat Championship.
I will close out the posting sometime tomorrow with more specific game details and a look back at the team's accomplishments in 2011.
Right now we are going to get on the road...long trip back to the upstate...
Crusaders Force Game 3
North Greenville wins Game 2 with a major breakthrough in the 6th inning and a masterful performance by Drew Provence...Will post details later...
Game 3 at 2PM...this will be a one game winner take all National Title Contest!!!
Game 3 at 2PM...this will be a one game winner take all National Title Contest!!!
Interesting Facts...
Before I hit the bed, I'll share with you a couple of Nuggets from my conversation with Coach Henson tonight. I plan on discussing these further in the broadcast tomorrow. Hopefully they will whet your appetite for the remainder of the National Championship Series...
--I mentioned in the blog earlier that NGU had swept double-headers several times already this year...to be exact, the number is 7. Seven times they have won 2 games versus the same team on the same day.
--On Championship Saturday last year the Crusaders won two games on their way to securing the National Title. Due to scheduling and weather, they were forced to defeat both Southeastern and Bluefield on Saturday afternoon to with the crown.
While Oklahoma Wesleyan is in an enviable position, up 1 Game to 0, North Greenville has already proven that what is required of them tomorrow is very much do-able.
See you in the morning...
--I mentioned in the blog earlier that NGU had swept double-headers several times already this year...to be exact, the number is 7. Seven times they have won 2 games versus the same team on the same day.
--On Championship Saturday last year the Crusaders won two games on their way to securing the National Title. Due to scheduling and weather, they were forced to defeat both Southeastern and Bluefield on Saturday afternoon to with the crown.
While Oklahoma Wesleyan is in an enviable position, up 1 Game to 0, North Greenville has already proven that what is required of them tomorrow is very much do-able.
See you in the morning...
5.20.2011
Crusaders lose Game 1 on Marathon day of Baseball
Sorry the posts have been limited today and short on information.
We had Lots of Baseball and Little Time on a key day which kept the Crusader season alive.
North Greenville dropped game 1 of the National Championship Series to Oklahoma Wesleyan 4-2. The Crusaders threatened often in the game, but could never breakthrough against talented right-hander Nick Randolph. NGU loaded the bases a couple times and hit the ball hard, but right at defenders. Three errors also doomed the Crusaders. They fought hard though, and saw Caleb Phillips eat up some key innings to keep many of the other arms fresh for tomorrow. His effort alongside Mark Benjamin's first start kept NGU in it, but the Crusaders couldn't quite get the elusive big hit to tie the game or forge ahead.
The Loss was North Greenville's first at the College World Series, both this year and in the program's history. The Eagles victory snapped a streak of 9 consecutive World Series wins at Legacy Field and Prasco Park. (The Crusaders were 5-0 en route to the title last year, and were 4-0 heading into tonight's match-up)
North Greenville's Baseball Club is still one step away from their dreams becoming reality in 2011. The remaining challenge is to win two games tomorrow to secure a repeat title.
As coach Henson pointed out, North Greenville has already won two games in one day at Prasco Park (site of the Championship Round), they did so just yesterday. Talking with several of the players after tonigh's loss, we recounted numerous times that the team was able to sweep double-headers this year. It will be this task that will stand between them and a Championship tomorrow.
The Crusaders feel good about the fact that they will have National Pitcher of the Year Drew Provence on the mound for Game 2 tomorrow morning. If they can find a way to grab the momentum and force a rubber match, it should make for one more interesting day of World Series Baseball.
After such a long journey, the 2011 Season ends tomorrow!
If things fall their way and they are able to take advantage of their opportunities...the Crusaders could close it out as Back to Back NCCAA National Champions...
See you tomorrow morning at 10:45 on a special National Championship Series edition of The Crusader Pre-Game Show...
We had Lots of Baseball and Little Time on a key day which kept the Crusader season alive.
North Greenville dropped game 1 of the National Championship Series to Oklahoma Wesleyan 4-2. The Crusaders threatened often in the game, but could never breakthrough against talented right-hander Nick Randolph. NGU loaded the bases a couple times and hit the ball hard, but right at defenders. Three errors also doomed the Crusaders. They fought hard though, and saw Caleb Phillips eat up some key innings to keep many of the other arms fresh for tomorrow. His effort alongside Mark Benjamin's first start kept NGU in it, but the Crusaders couldn't quite get the elusive big hit to tie the game or forge ahead.
The Loss was North Greenville's first at the College World Series, both this year and in the program's history. The Eagles victory snapped a streak of 9 consecutive World Series wins at Legacy Field and Prasco Park. (The Crusaders were 5-0 en route to the title last year, and were 4-0 heading into tonight's match-up)
North Greenville's Baseball Club is still one step away from their dreams becoming reality in 2011. The remaining challenge is to win two games tomorrow to secure a repeat title.
As coach Henson pointed out, North Greenville has already won two games in one day at Prasco Park (site of the Championship Round), they did so just yesterday. Talking with several of the players after tonigh's loss, we recounted numerous times that the team was able to sweep double-headers this year. It will be this task that will stand between them and a Championship tomorrow.
The Crusaders feel good about the fact that they will have National Pitcher of the Year Drew Provence on the mound for Game 2 tomorrow morning. If they can find a way to grab the momentum and force a rubber match, it should make for one more interesting day of World Series Baseball.
After such a long journey, the 2011 Season ends tomorrow!
If things fall their way and they are able to take advantage of their opportunities...the Crusaders could close it out as Back to Back NCCAA National Champions...
See you tomorrow morning at 10:45 on a special National Championship Series edition of The Crusader Pre-Game Show...
Cusaders defeat King, head to Championship Series...Will get opportuinity to defend National Title
North Greenville banged out 11 runs on 16 hits to defeat King College and secure their spot in the National Title Series. The heart of the order came to life, they were 9 for 13 with 5 RBI's and 7 runs scored. Adam Taylor had two doubles and never even made an out in the baseball game, while David Frazier had 2 RBI singles and leadoff triple. Fulmer and Lawrence also had RBI singles. Freshman third baseman Taylor Holifield followed up his big night last night with an RBI triple in the game today.
Couple this breakout offensive performance with solid outing from Sophomore right-hander Sean Willingham and lights-out relief from Nate Richards; you have the recipe for an 11-2 victory.
The Crusaders have a quick turnaround, the National Championship Series begins tonight at 7:30.
Running a little short on arms and dealing with a few injuries to pitchers, NGU has not yet decided who they are going to throw. We will keep you posted in the Crusader Pre-Game Show at 7:15 pm tonight.
North Greenville (4-0) will face Oklahoma Wesleyan (4-0) in a 3 game series for the Title.
Game 1 will be played Tonight at 7:30. Game 2 is slated for tomorrow at 11:00 AM and the rubber match would be 30 minutes following the last out of Game 2 (if necessary).
Couple this breakout offensive performance with solid outing from Sophomore right-hander Sean Willingham and lights-out relief from Nate Richards; you have the recipe for an 11-2 victory.
The Crusaders have a quick turnaround, the National Championship Series begins tonight at 7:30.
Running a little short on arms and dealing with a few injuries to pitchers, NGU has not yet decided who they are going to throw. We will keep you posted in the Crusader Pre-Game Show at 7:15 pm tonight.
North Greenville (4-0) will face Oklahoma Wesleyan (4-0) in a 3 game series for the Title.
Game 1 will be played Tonight at 7:30. Game 2 is slated for tomorrow at 11:00 AM and the rubber match would be 30 minutes following the last out of Game 2 (if necessary).
5.19.2011
Crusaders 3-0, Effectively in Semi-Finals
North Greenville sweeps their World Series games on Thursday.
The Crusaders have one more mountain to climb in order to reach the National Championship Series. They also know who they would be playing if they get there.
Oklahoma Wesleyan has already secured the berth from the other side of the bracket to play in the Series. The Eagles are 3-0 and already hold the tiebreaker against #1 seed Southeastern. There is no way at this point they can be prevented from advancing.
North Greenville, after beating The Masters College in a classic 3-2 contest at Prasco, will face King College tomorrow at 1 for a berth in the Series. This will be the 5th meeting this season between the two clubs, with all four games won by the Crusaders- though they were all very close contests.
King College is currently 2-0, and are playing a pool game against Mt Vernon tonight. Win or lose they they can make the Series with a win over NGU. Here's how it works: If King wins tonight, both teams are 3-0 and would fight for the final bid in the Championship Round. If King loses, though they are 2-1, a win over North Greenville would give them identical records. If this scenario played out, King would hold the tie breaker by virtue of their head to head victory.
All the Crusaders must do is win tomorrow to play for a second consecutive NCCAA National Championship on Friday night and Saturday.
How did North Greenville force their way into the pool deciding game?
They remained unbeaten in the late afternoon meeting with The Masters Mustangs behind an exceptional outing from Mike Benjamin. Benjamin worked in and out of jams throughout the game, and stepped up when it mattered most. In a microcosm of the entire game he battled The Masters best hitter Spencer Downs in a 3-2 count that in essence decided the contest. After fouling off pitch after pitch, Downs was caught looking to end the 6th inning, leaving the tying and go-ahead runs aboard. It was one of numerous times Benjamin left runners in scoring position--even leaving the bases loaded earlier in the game.
The key offensive contributers in the day's second game included Adam Taylor who doubled and Foulk who just prior to that drew a base on balls, setting the table for Derek Fulmer's two-run double which put NGU on the board first. Those two hits came in the 1st inning and gave North Greenville a 2-0 lead. North Greenville would only muster one more hit in the baseball game, but boy was it a big one. Taylor Holifield, after being involved in several key moments in NGU's post-season wins, finally broke through with his first hit of the World Series. It was a solo HR to left field, which would turn out to be the game winner.
Excellent pitching and timely hits have been the story for the Crusaders so far this post-season. In the latest game, NGU made the most of their opportunities with three runs off only three hits. North Greenville pitching held down a Masters offense that had scored 11 and 13 runs in their previous two contests.
Coach Henson is still meeting with his staff to determine the pitching plan for tomorrow's critical final pool game. I will pass that information along as soon as I receive it...
Hang with us...The Crusaders are very much alive, and as yet they are still unbeaten in two years (8 total games) at the World Series! I should have more posts tonight, and we will be back online at 12:45 PM tomorrow.
The Crusaders have one more mountain to climb in order to reach the National Championship Series. They also know who they would be playing if they get there.
Oklahoma Wesleyan has already secured the berth from the other side of the bracket to play in the Series. The Eagles are 3-0 and already hold the tiebreaker against #1 seed Southeastern. There is no way at this point they can be prevented from advancing.
North Greenville, after beating The Masters College in a classic 3-2 contest at Prasco, will face King College tomorrow at 1 for a berth in the Series. This will be the 5th meeting this season between the two clubs, with all four games won by the Crusaders- though they were all very close contests.
King College is currently 2-0, and are playing a pool game against Mt Vernon tonight. Win or lose they they can make the Series with a win over NGU. Here's how it works: If King wins tonight, both teams are 3-0 and would fight for the final bid in the Championship Round. If King loses, though they are 2-1, a win over North Greenville would give them identical records. If this scenario played out, King would hold the tie breaker by virtue of their head to head victory.
All the Crusaders must do is win tomorrow to play for a second consecutive NCCAA National Championship on Friday night and Saturday.
How did North Greenville force their way into the pool deciding game?
They remained unbeaten in the late afternoon meeting with The Masters Mustangs behind an exceptional outing from Mike Benjamin. Benjamin worked in and out of jams throughout the game, and stepped up when it mattered most. In a microcosm of the entire game he battled The Masters best hitter Spencer Downs in a 3-2 count that in essence decided the contest. After fouling off pitch after pitch, Downs was caught looking to end the 6th inning, leaving the tying and go-ahead runs aboard. It was one of numerous times Benjamin left runners in scoring position--even leaving the bases loaded earlier in the game.
The key offensive contributers in the day's second game included Adam Taylor who doubled and Foulk who just prior to that drew a base on balls, setting the table for Derek Fulmer's two-run double which put NGU on the board first. Those two hits came in the 1st inning and gave North Greenville a 2-0 lead. North Greenville would only muster one more hit in the baseball game, but boy was it a big one. Taylor Holifield, after being involved in several key moments in NGU's post-season wins, finally broke through with his first hit of the World Series. It was a solo HR to left field, which would turn out to be the game winner.
Excellent pitching and timely hits have been the story for the Crusaders so far this post-season. In the latest game, NGU made the most of their opportunities with three runs off only three hits. North Greenville pitching held down a Masters offense that had scored 11 and 13 runs in their previous two contests.
Coach Henson is still meeting with his staff to determine the pitching plan for tomorrow's critical final pool game. I will pass that information along as soon as I receive it...
Hang with us...The Crusaders are very much alive, and as yet they are still unbeaten in two years (8 total games) at the World Series! I should have more posts tonight, and we will be back online at 12:45 PM tomorrow.
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