Tampa Baseball to Play WEst Chester for 2026 NCAA National Championship in Bid for Third Straight Crown

CARY, N.C. — The No. 2 University of Tampa baseball team punched its ticket to the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship Series with a 17–2 victory over No. 3 seed Catawba College on Wednesday night at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.

The two-time defending national champions improved to 49–8 overall and advanced to the best-of-three national championship finals, where they will face No. 1 seed West Chester University beginning Thursday in Cary.

Tampa remains in pursuit of an NCAA Division II-record 11th national championship and the opportunity to become the first program in division history to win three consecutive national titles.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP

Final: No. 2 Tampa 17, No. 3 Catawba 2
Records: Tampa (49–8), Catawba (50–14)
Location: USA Baseball National Training Complex | Cary, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

After two scoreless innings, Tampa erupted for eight runs in the third inning to seize control.

The Spartans capitalized on four Catawba errors, four hit batters, and a series of timely hits during the frame. Jordan Evans drove in the first run of the inning before Brayden Woodburn lined a two-run single to center. Jesse Ponce followed later in the inning with a two-run double as Tampa sent 13 batters to the plate and built an 8–0 lead.

Catawba answered with two runs in the top of the fourth inning, but Tampa immediately responded. Jhoander Irigoyen doubled home a run before Woodburn and Jake Books added RBI singles to extend the lead to 11–2.

The Spartans continued to add on throughout the middle innings. Ponce delivered a sacrifice fly in the fifth, while Luke Fikar, Nik Pereira, and Jack Martinez each contributed RBI hits during a three-run sixth inning.

Tampa added two more runs in the eighth inning and cruised to the 17–2 victory, securing a place in the national championship finals for the third consecutive season.

ON THE MOUND

John Luke Glanton continued his outstanding postseason run, earning the victory after allowing two runs on six hits across 6.0 innings. The right-hander improved to 13–2 on the season and helped the Spartans maintain control after the explosive third inning.

Josiah Velazquez followed with 2.0 scoreless innings of relief, allowing two hits and striking out one. Alex Laiche tossed a scoreless ninth inning to finish the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS

Brayden Woodburn: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored
Jhoander Irigoyen: 3-for-5, double, RBI, 2 runs scored
Luke Fikar: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 runs scored, 2 walks
Jake Books: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 runs scored, walk
Jesse Ponce: double, 4 RBI, run scored
Nik Pereira: RBI, 3 runs scored, walk, hit by pitch
Walker Vanecek: RBI, 2 runs scored, walk
Jack Martinez: RBI, run scored, walk
Jordan Evans: RBI, hit by pitch

Pitching

John Luke Glanton (W, 13–2): 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 6 H
Josiah Velazquez: 2.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 K
Alex Laiche: 1.0 IP, 0 R, 1 K

NOTES

Tampa totaled 16 hits, drew seven walks, and benefited from four Catawba errors in the victory. The Spartans scored 17 runs, their highest output of the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championship Series.

The Spartans advanced to the national championship finals for the third consecutive season and improved to 10–0 in NCAA Tournament play this postseason.

Wednesday's semifinal round completed the championship bracket. Earlier in the day, No. 1 seed West Chester defeated No. 5 seed UT Tyler, 6–5, eliminating the Patriots. Tampa followed with its victory over Catawba, eliminating the Indians and setting up a matchup between the tournament's final two unbeaten teams.

The championship series features two of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II baseball history. Tampa owns an NCAA-record 10 national championships, including titles in 2024 and 2025, while West Chester captured national championships in 2012 and 2017.

Tampa enters the finals seeking an NCAA Division II-record 11th national championship. The Spartans won titles in 1992, 1993, 1998, 2006, 2007, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2024, and 2025, the most of any program in Division II history. Tampa's victory over Central Missouri in the 2025 championship game secured the program's 10th national title and extended its lead atop the NCAA Division II record book.

The championship series will feature the tournament's final two unbeaten teams. Tampa and West Chester each advanced through the championship bracket without a loss and will meet in a best-of-three series to determine the 2026 NCAA Division II national champion.

UP NEXT

Tampa will face No. 1 seed West Chester University in the best-of-three NCAA Division II National Championship Series at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.

Game one is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m., with game two set for Friday at 6 p.m. If necessary, a winner-take-all game three will be played Saturday.

The Spartans need two victories to secure an NCAA Division II-record 11th national championship and become the first program in division history to win three consecutive national titles.