No. 5 UT Tyler secured a significant 8-3 victory against No. 4 Central Missouri in the opening game of the 2026 NCAA Division II College World Series. The win marks a program record of 49 victories in a season, showcasing a strong offensive performance compared to last year's struggles. Key highlights include a three-run homer from Cole Ketzner and a dominant pitching outing by Dylan Blomquist, who delivered eight scoreless innings. This victory sets up UT Tyler for a matchup against the winner of the No. 1 West Chester vs. No. 8 UIndy game.

By the Numbers
  • UT Tyler scored four runs in the first inning, matching their total from last year's tournament opener.
  • Dylan Blomquist pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing only seven hits while improving his season record to 6-2.
  • UT Tyler's 49 wins this season tie the program record for victories in a single season.
What's Next

UT Tyler's next challenge will be against the winner of the No. 1 West Chester and No. 8 UIndy game on Sunday at 5 p.m. CT, with a chance to advance to the national semifinals on the line.

Bottom Line

The dominating performance over Central Missouri signals UT Tyler's readiness to compete for the championship, showcasing both offensive firepower and strong pitching. The Patriots are not only aiming to break their program record but also to secure a place in the national semifinals.