The Lewis-Clark State Warriors opened NAIA Baseball Opening Round play in convincing fashion Tuesday, dispatching the Keiser Seahawks 7-3 at home in Lewiston to improve to 4-0 all-time in postseason matchups against the program.
As the No. 1 seed hosting the tournament, the Warriors wasted little time establishing control. On just the second pitch of the game, outfielder Brandon Nguyen sent a home run sailing to right-center field, putting LC State ahead 1-0 before Keiser’s lineup had barely settled in.
Second-Inning Surge Puts the Game Away
Keiser responded with a run in the top of the second when Andres Balart drove in Avery Doezie on an RBI single to center, knotting the score at 1-1. The Warriors quickly answered with a three-run outburst of their own in the bottom half of the inning.
Ryan Prescott grounded into an out that allowed Jackson Reed to score, then Cade Westerlund singled to left field to plate Noah Weintraub. Nguyen added to the damage by reaching on a fielder’s choice, with Bo Stinson crossing the plate on an unearned run. Just like that, the Warriors led 4-1 and had seized command of the contest.
Keiser managed one additional run in the fourth inning when Karson Nadal grounded out to score Tad Brooks, briefly trimming the deficit to two. The Seahawks could not sustain any further momentum against a Warriors pitching staff that proved difficult to solve throughout the afternoon.
Strong Performances on Both Sides of the Ball
At the plate, Reed was the standout offensive performer, going 3-for-4 and finishing the game as LC State’s most productive hitter. Nguyen’s early home run set the tone and gave the Warriors a psychological edge that Keiser never fully overcame.
On the mound, pitchers Evan Canfield and Lennartson each delivered composed performances, recording three strikeouts apiece while each surrendering only a single walk. The efficiency from both arms limited Keiser’s opportunities to string together rallies and kept the Warriors comfortably in front.
The victory extended LC State’s dominant postseason record and reinforced the program’s standing as the top seed in the Lewiston regional bracket. The Warriors have now held a 3-0 all-time advantage over the Seahawks, outscoring them across all three meetings.
What Comes Next
The Warriors are set to face No. 3 seed Hope International, ranked 21st nationally, in their next postseason contest. The game is scheduled for May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Lewiston. A win would push LC State one step closer to advancing deeper into the NAIA championship bracket, with the home crowd at their back and momentum firmly on their side.