The Macalester College baseball squad captured the MIAC Playoff championship last weekend, securing the automatic bid that sends them back to the NCAA Division III Championship tournament for the first time since 2017.
Their next test arrives on Friday, May 15, when the Scots travel to face No. 3 UW-Whitewater at 11:00 a.m. on Prucha Field at Jim Miller Stadium, a venue that will host all games of the Whitewater Regional.
The regional field also includes Luther College, which earned an at‑large berth from the American Rivers Conference, and Bethany Lutheran College, champions of the UMAC Playoffs, giving the tournament a compact but competitive mix of four teams.
UW-Whitewater enters the matchup as the reigning national champion and currently ranked third in the country, making the Scots’ underdog story all the more compelling.
A Historic Return
The Scots’ advancement marks a significant milestone for the program, reflecting years of steady growth and a recruiting strategy that has paid dividends on the national stage.
Coach Matt Parrington, whose leadership has been credited with tightening the team’s pitching staff and sharpening offensive execution, will look to translate that momentum into a strong showing against a powerhouse opponent.
Beyond the immediate contest, the tournament provides a platform for the participating colleges to showcase their athletic departments, with each school representing distinct regional conferences and academic traditions.
Victory in the Whitewater Regional would propel the winner into the Super Regionals, where they would meet the champion of the Adrian Regional, with the ultimate prize – the Championship Finals – scheduled for May 29 to June 4 at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, Ohio.