A Record‑Setting Finale
Tarleton State University’s baseball squad delivered a historic performance in the 2026 Western Athletic Conference Tournament, overwhelming Sacramento State 21‑11 to claim the conference championship and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The victory marks the Texans’ first Division I NCAA Regional appearance since 2018, ending a seven‑year drought that had hung over the program.
The final was a showcase of offensive firepower, with the two teams combining for 32 runs — the most ever recorded in a WAC tournament game since 1996. Tarleton State’s 21 hits set a new Division I era record for a conference tournament contest, underscoring the depth and discipline of a lineup that refused to back down.
Key Performers Rise to the Occasion
Raphaël Smeenk, the senior shortstop, was named Most Outstanding Player after a dominant display that included a 5‑for‑8 performance, two home runs and six RBIs across the tournament’s final two games. His clutch hitting epitomized the team’s relentless approach at the plate.
Slade McCloud provided the spark early, delivering four hits and five RBIs while launching his sixth home run of the season. Junior right‑hander Anthony Treto anchored the pitching staff, earning his third win of the year with six strikeouts in three innings, while the entire bullpen logged eight strikeouts over the course of the game.
Sergio Guerra added a ninth‑inning insurance run with his second tournament homer, sealing the victory and sending the crowd into celebration. The offensive onslaught was complemented by a defensive effort that kept Sacramento State’s rally attempts at bay.
All‑Tournament Honors
Six Texans earned spots on the All‑Tournament Team, reflecting the breadth of talent across the roster. The honorees — Sergio Guerra, Rayner Heinrich, Slade McCloud, Carson Lorch, Cort Lowry and Raphaël Smeenk — join a growing list of players who have helped elevate the program’s national profile.
The championship represents the eighth conference tournament title for Tarleton State Athletics at the Division I level and marks the sixth sport to qualify for postseason play since the university transitioned to Division I. The achievement also highlights the university’s expanding athletic footprint, with baseball joining the ranks of programs that consistently contend for national relevance.
Looking Ahead to the NCAA Regional
The Texans will learn their regional opponents and venue during the NCAA Selection Show, scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. CT on ESPN2. Coach Fuller Smith and his staff have already begun scouting potential matchups, preparing the team for the next chapter of what promises to be a historic postseason run.
With a blend of power hitting, solid pitching and a resilient mindset, Tarleton State’s baseball program is poised to make a deep splash in the NCAA Tournament. The excitement on campus is palpable, as alumni, students and fans alike anticipate watching their team compete on the national stage for the first time in nearly a decade.