MAC Advances To Regional On Dramatic Series Win Over Three Rivers

After a lopsided loss to open the series, MAC stormed back with two gritty wins on Saturday to take the best-of-three sub-regional series over Three Rivers College, punching their ticket to the Regional Tournament in Joplin, MO.

Game one belonged entirely to the Raiders, as Three Rivers erupted for 12 runs on 13 hits in a 12-3 win on May 1. MAC starter Aidan Hartholt suffered his first loss of the season, surrendering nine runs over four innings .

Despite the setback, the Cardinals' offense showed flashes, with Sam Weinstein driving in two runs and Clemson Julian adding a solo homer.

Game two turned into an instant classic, a marathon 12-inning battle that showcased the Cardinals' resilience. Trailing 6-2 entering the bottom of the ninth, MAC refused to fold. A dramatic rally, powered by a Kole Watermann one out, pinch hit grand slam to tie the game at 6.

In the 12th, Christian Kiper walked off the Raiders on a deep fly ball to right field to give MAC the 8-7 win and force the deciding game three.

In game three after falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, MAC answered immediately and then exploded offensively, scoring in four straight innings en route to a 14-4 run-rule victory. Christian Kiper led the charge with a dominant performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs, including another walk off home run. The Cardinals racked up 14 hits, with key contributions across the lineup—Tanner Fujino scored three runs, while Brad Chaisson, Sam Weinstein, and Clemson Julian all drove in multiple runs.

On the mound, Tyson Greenwood stabilized the game after a shaky start, allowing just one run over 4.1 innings to earn the win and shut down any hopes of a Raiders comeback.

With the series win over Three Rivers, the Cardinals advance to the Region 16 Tournament in Joplin, MO scheduled for May 7-10 at Joe Becker Stadium.  The bracket can be found here: 2026 D1 Baseball Bracket