LINCOLN — No.2-seeded Texas Wesleyan faces an elimination game Tuesday against Oakland City after dropping its NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round opener to No. 3-seeded Madonna at Sherman Field.
The Rams fell into the elimination bracket after Madonna used timely hitting to secure the opening-round victory Monday in the Lincoln Bracket, hosted by Doane University.
Texas Wesleyan now turns to No. 4-seeded Oakland City in a win-or-go-home match-up in the four-team, double-elimination tournament. Oakland City also is coming off a first-round loss after falling to host Doane.
The Rams will look for a stronger start offensively after being unable to overcome an early deficit against Madonna. Texas Wesleyan remained competitive throughout the opener but could not complete a late comeback attempt.
Oakland City enters Tuesday seeking to extend its season after a difficult opening-round match-up against the bracket's top seed. Both teams must navigate quick turnaround conditions with pitching depth expected to play a critical role.
The winner advances in the elimination bracket and keeps its season alive, while the loser will be eliminated from the NAIA national tournament.
First pitch is scheduled for noon in Lincoln, Nebraska.
