Wednesday, April 29 • 1:00 p.m. • CaroMont Health Park (Gastonia, N.C.)
Bristol, Tenn.- The postseason opens with a win-or-go-home matchup as King University and Emmanuel University meet in the single-elimination play-in round. Only one team will advance to the main bracket, and recent history gives this rivalry plenty of weight.
Series Overview (Last Five Years: 2021–2025)
Emmanuel has controlled the matchup over the past half-decade:
- King Wins: 2
- Emmanuel Wins: 13
- Current Streak: Emmanuel has won 9 straight (2023–2025)
- Closest King Win: 8–7 (Feb. 20, 2022)
- Largest Emmanuel Win: 14–2 (Feb. 19, 2022)
Year-by-Year Summary
2025: Emmanuel swept the series in Franklin Springs (19–18, 11–6, 13–5).
2024: Emmanuel swept in Bristol, holding King to four total runs (8–2, 4–1, 8–1).
2023: Another sweep in Georgia, including two shutouts (9–6, 1–0, 3–0).
2022: King's lone series win in the last five years (8–7, 2–14, 8–0).
2021: A competitive 2–2 split, including King's last neutral-site win over Emmanuel.
Keys to the Matchup
King University
King looks to end a nine-game skid against Emmanuel and rediscover the postseason spark they showed in 2021.
Key Factors:
- Establish early offense
- Prevent big innings that have swung past matchups
- Execute late-inning relief pitching
Emmanuel University
The Lions enter with momentum, having consistently overpowered King with both offense and pitching depth.
Key Factors:
- Maintain offensive pressure
- Replicate the pitching success of 2024–25
- Avoid giving King early momentum in a single-elimination setting
Game Information
Admissions
- Tickets available online
- No coolers or outside food/drinks permitted
Broadcast
- Daily Pass: $10
- Tournament Pass: $30
Concessions
Available at CaroMont Health Park and Sims Legion Park.
Location
CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd
Gastonia, NC 28052
Final Outlook
This matchup brings together a rivalry defined by emotion, high-scoring swings, and postseason urgency. Emmanuel holds the statistical edge, but King has shown the ability to rise in tournament play. In a single-elimination game, momentum can shift quickly—and both teams understand what's at stake.
