The Mission University baseball season came to an end Tuesday afternoon at the 2026 NCCAA World Series, as the Patriots fell to No. 8 seed Nelson University American Indian College, 3-1, at UYA – McGuff Field in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mission wrapped up the year with a 28-23 overall record and another appearance on the national stage after advancing to the NCCAA World Series.
Pitchers' Duel Through Seven Innings
The Patriots and Warriors battled through a tightly contested game that remained scoreless through the first five innings. Mission finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth when Kaedan Thompson scored the Patriots' lone run of the afternoon.
Nelson answered late, scoring once in the eighth before adding two more runs in the ninth to secure the win.
Mission finished with eight hits in the game, led by singles from Drew Vaughan, Kaedan Thompson, Zachary Beatty, Collin Miser, CJ Palen, Sam Golden, Carter Vienhage, and Kadean Jacobs.
Banks Delivers Strong Start
Ethan Banks turned in a strong outing on the mound for the Patriots, allowing just one earned run across his start while keeping Mission in control deep into the game. Mission pitchers combined for nine innings with four strikeouts while limiting damage for most of the afternoon.
The Patriots defense also turned multiple key plays throughout the contest to keep the game within reach entering the final innings.
Another National Tournament Appearance
Mission closes the 2026 campaign after another successful season under head coach Randy Merryman. The Patriots once again earned a trip to the NCCAA World Series after making a run through the conference tournament and competing against some of the top programs in the NCCAA field.
Talking Points
- Mission finished the season 28-23 overall.
- The Patriots made consecutive NCCAA World Series appearances.
- Mission played in two one-run games during the national tournament.
- Ethan Banks delivered a quality postseason start in the season finale.
- Eight different Patriots recorded hits in the loss.
- The Patriots remained tied or ahead through seven innings before Nelson's late rally.
- Mission continued to establish itself as a consistent NCCAA postseason program under Randy Merryman.
