Granville to Host NCAA Baseball Regionals
Granville, Ohio, will soon become the epicenter of collegiate baseball as Denison University’s Big Red program prepares to host the NCAA Division III Regionals. The tournament, scheduled to begin on May 15, features a double‑elimination format that pits the host against Grinnell College, Cortland State University and Kalamazoo College.
Denison arrives with an extraordinary pedigree: a 40‑1 overall record and a 39‑game winning streak that have propelled the team into the national conversation. The Big Red are not only dominant locally but also rank among the top ten in seventeen statistical categories, underscoring the breadth of their excellence.
Central to Denison’s success is junior standout Jack Lutte, who leads the offense with a .484 batting average, 12 home runs and 58 runs batted in. Complementing him on the mound are pitchers Will Rettig, Robbie Lee and Andrew Montero, who together form a rotation that has been pivotal in maintaining the team’s unbeaten run.
A Formidable Field
The field of opponents promises tough competition. Grinnell College brings a 25‑16 record and is anchored by senior Connor Goodson, who posts a .408 average. Kalamazoo College, at 31‑11, relies on senior Robert Newland’s .391 batting mark, while Cortland State University, with a 29‑10‑1 slate, showcases junior Tristan Gatchalian, a .432 hitter who also ranks sixth nationally in batting average and on‑base percentage.
Beyond individual stats, the tournament will test depth across the board. Kalamazoo’s collective team earned‑run average of 3.63 places it eleventh in the country, while Grinnell sits fifteenth in slugging and twenty‑eighth in scoring. These metrics highlight the caliber of play expected over the weekend.
Schedule and Stakes
The schedule is packed, with opening games slated for Friday, followed by a full slate of contests on Saturday. Sunday’s climax will feature the championship game at 11 a.m., with a potential rematch at 2:30 p.m. if needed, giving fans a chance to witness a possible double showdown.
For Denison, the Regionals represent more than a chance at a title; they are an opportunity to showcase a program that has built a culture of excellence, discipline and community engagement. A deep run could further elevate recruiting, alumni involvement and the university’s athletic profile.