Resiliant Warriors advance to World Series Semifinals Today!

The Nelson Warriors are moving on to the Semifinals!

In one of the biggest upsets of the NCCAA World Series tournament so far, the 8-seed Warriors (27-24) defeated the 2-seed Mission University Patriots 3-1 in a classic pitchers' duel that turned into a late-game thriller, and ultimate victory for Nelson.

Ralphie Felix, making just his third start of the season, rose to the occasion and delivered the kind of postseason gem every kid, no matter their age, dreams about. Keeping the high-powered Patriots offense in check, Felix threw 5.2 strong innings, allowing just 6 hits and 2 walks while surrendering only one run. Esteban Acevedo then took over and was lights-out, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings of relief with 2 hits allowed and 3 strikeouts to earn the win.

The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the sixth when Mission finally broke through with a two-out RBI single. But ever-full over the Warrior spirit, Nelson answered – and more. In the top of the eighth, Brandon Ramirez (who led all batters with 4 hits in 5 AB's) doubled down the left-field line, Adrian Nunez walked, and Shae Doree delivered a clutch single to tie the game at 1-1.

After the Patriots were shut down in the bottom of the inning, and the game's momentum squarely in the visiting dugout, the Warriors knew this was their time attack. Aaron Bazan, Gerardo Paco, and Sam Hess led off with three straight singles to load the bases. Power-hitter extraordinaire Ethan Gustafson (2-4) stepped up and lifted a deep sac fly to center field, nearly missing a grand slam, scoring Bazan and giving Nelson a 2-1 lead. After Jimmy Holloway popped out, Ramirez followed with a single past the third baseman to score Paco, adding the crucial insurance run.

Acevedo slammed the door in the bottom of the ninth, preserving the 3-1 victory and eliminating the 2-seed.

With the victory the Warriors advance to the World Series Semifinals to face 6-seed Southwestern Christian University today at 4:00 PM (Arizona time).

Fans can continue to follow all live stats, box scores, and tournament updates here:

https://thenccaa.org/tournaments/?id=4900&path=baseball

Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.

Go Warriors!!