SALINA, Kan. –

Oklahoma Wesleyan put together one of its most resilient performances of the season but came up just short in an 11–10 loss to host Kansas Wesleyan in the 2026 KCAC Baseball Championship Game on Saturday afternoon at Dean Evans Stadium. 

The Eagles traded punches throughout a back-and-forth, high-scoring contest that featured four lead changes and momentum swings deep into the game. After KWU struck first with a solo homer in the opening inning, OKWU answered in the second behind a two-run blast from Luis Antigua, swinging the lead to 2–1. The teams continued to exchange runs, with the Coyotes briefly pulling ahead in the third before the Eagles responded. 

OKWU's biggest surge came in the fourth and sixth innings. A three-run fourth inning, highlighted by RBI walks from Daurys Manzanillo and JT Maloney, gave the Eagles a 5–3 edge. KWU countered with a five-run bottom of the fifth to reclaim the lead, but OKWU refused to fold. 

In the top of the sixth, the Eagles delivered their most explosive offensive frame of the tournament. Maloney crushed a three-run home run, part of a five-run inning that pushed OKWU ahead 10–8 and briefly silenced the home crowd. Antigua added an RBI single, while the Eagles capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting to regain control. 

KWU answered once again with three runs in the bottom of the sixth, ultimately taking the lead for good at 11–10. Despite opportunities late, including baserunners in the eighth and ninth innings, the Eagles were unable to manufacture the tying run as the Coyotes closed out the championship. 

Maloney finished with four RBIs, while Antigua drove in three and homered. Joseph Gutierrez turned in a standout performance with three hits, including a double, and the Eagles displayed speed on the bases with multiple stolen bags as they pressured the Kansas Wesleyan defense throughout the afternoon. 

Season Summary & What's Next 

Despite the championship loss, Oklahoma Wesleyan's body of work during the 2026 season has earned them an at-large berth to the NAIA Opening Round, extending the Eagles' postseason journey. OKWU concludes KCAC play with a 36–16 record, highlighted by a deep conference tournament run and consistent performances against one of the strongest schedules in the NAIA. 

The Eagles showcased a balanced identity all season; an offense capable of explosive innings and a pitching staff that delivered in key moments. With postseason experience now in hand, Oklahoma Wesleyan turns its focus to the national stage, where the opportunity for another championship run remains firmly in front of them. 

For the Eagles, the season is far from over; and the lessons from a hard-fought KCAC Championship battle may be exactly what's needed as they prepare for Opening Round play. Location to be announced Wednesday May 6th.