BELLEVUE, Neb. - No. 2 IU Southeast punched their ticket to the 2026 NAIA World Series following a dramatic, 3-1 victory over No. 1 Bellevue Wednesday afternoon.
For the third consecutive game, IU Southeast got excellent play from their defense and pitching staff. After 7.0 innings from Weston Harvey, Aiden Darlage checked into the game in the top of the eighth.
Darlage held the Bruins scoreless in the eighth despite a pair of infield hits. A fly out to Joel Johnson in left, combined with a 2-4-1 caught stealing pickle, ended the frame. One inning later, Darlage retired Bellevue's hitters in order in the top of the ninth, setting up a dramatic bottom of the ninth.
Trailing 1-0 in the final frame, the Grenadiers got their first two hitters on base. Kevin Moore drew a four-pitch walk, then Caden Lockwood singled to left field. Two at-bats later, with one out and two runners on base, Kasen Parks stepped up to the plate.
Parks had an excellent at-bat, patiently waiting for his pitch. Parks fouled off a few pitches before finding the pitch he was looking for. With a 1-2 count, Parks walked it off with a game-winning, three-run home run that hit off the foul pole in left field.
Wednesday's win gives the Grenadiers the Opening Round Championship. They will travel to Lewiston, Idaho, for the 2026 NAIA World Series. It will be the Grenadiers' second berth in the World Series in the last three years, and their third in the last six years.
The Grenadiers went 3-0 in the opening round, including taking down Bellevue, who was the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. IU Southeast heads into Lewiston with a record of 42-14, including ten consecutive victories.
"I told these guys at the beginning of the year that any trophy they wanted, they could go out and get it. This run we have been on the last two weeks proves just that because of how hard they have worked, and I am so proud of them" said Head Coach Vincent Tornincasa after the game.
The 2026 NAIA World Series will be held from May 22-30. Times and opponents are to be determined.
