Francis Marion University finished its 2026 baseball season with a 6-3 defeat against Catawba College in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional's decisive Game 3. Despite a strong season ending with a program-record 46 wins, the Patriots fell short after an early 5-0 deficit. The team boasted impressive achievements, including scoring 669 runs, the third-most in NCAA Division II history, and several individual records by standout players.

By the Numbers
  • Francis Marion finishes the season with a 46-14 overall record.
  • The Patriots scored 669 runs, marking the third-most in NCAA Division II history.
  • Charlie Bussey III set a DII record for runs scored in a single season with 118.
  • Ethan McAnally tied for second all-time in DII with 104 RBIs in a single season.
State of Play
  • The Patriots had a potent offense but managed only six hits in the final game.
  • Catawba scored five runs in the first inning, establishing a lead the Patriots struggled to overcome.
  • Jafet Martinez Delgado excelled in relief, pitching 6.0 innings with one earned run allowed.
What's Next

Catawba College advances to the Super Regionals, looking to build on their previous successes. The Patriots will focus on rebuilding and maintaining their strong performance as they prepare for next season.

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, Francis Marion University established a record-setting season, showcasing significant talent and performance that positions them well for future success. They will aim to build on this strong foundation as they look to improve and challenge for the title next year.