A championship within reach
Denison’s baseball team is on the cusp of a historic achievement, fighting for the program’s first national championship in its NCAA Division III College World Series run. The 50‑2 record reflects a season of dominance that has already seen the team win five straight games by a combined score of 44‑13 after an opening loss to East Texas Baptist.
In Game 1, the Bears routed Endicott 6‑0, a performance anchored by Cooper Marrs, who tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits while striking out seven batters. Marrs’ command on the mound set the tone for a pitching staff that has been relentless throughout the tournament.
The offensive firepower was equally impressive. Top hitters Eron Vega, Jack Lutte and Erik Sundgren combined for a 6‑for‑12 effort, driving in three runs and drawing three walks, underscoring the depth of the lineup.
The road ahead
Game 2 is slated for 11 a.m. on June 4, with a potential Game 3 following if the championship series extends. A victory would cap a season that already includes a women’s basketball national title in March, making the campus celebration one of the most memorable in recent memory.
Coach Mike Deegan and his staff have emphasized discipline and execution, traits that showed up in the shutout performance against Endicott. The team’s chemistry was evident as players like Max Fishbein, Andrew Fazio, Kelly Crittenberger, Cade Nowik and Jeremy Krendel contributed both on the field and in the dugout.
Fans and alumni are already planning celebrations, knowing that a win would etch the 2026 Denison baseball team into the university’s lore. The combination of stellar pitching, timely hitting and a resilient mindset positions the Bears to finish the season atop the Division III rankings.