Wednesday, April 29 • 1:00 p.m.
CaroMont Health Park — Gastonia, N.C.
Bristol, Tenn. — The postseason begins with urgency and no margin for error as King University and Emmanuel University collide in a win-or-go-home play-in matchup. Only one team will advance to the main bracket, and with the recent history between these programs, the stakes feel even heavier. Over the past five years, Emmanuel has held a firm grip on the rivalry, but single-elimination baseball has a way of rewriting expectations.
A Rivalry Tilted Toward Emmanuel
The last half-decade has been defined by Emmanuel's dominance. Since 2021, the Lions have won 13 of the last 15 meetings, including the last nine straight. Their victories have ranged from tight battles to decisive blowouts, highlighted by a 14–2 win in 2022. King's most recent triumph came in February 2022, an 8–7 nail-biter that remains their closest win in the series during this stretch.
Year by year, the trend has been clear. Emmanuel swept the 2025 series in Franklin Springs with a barrage of offense, including a 19–18 slugfest. In 2024, they traveled to Bristol and held King to just four total runs across three games. The 2023 series brought two shutouts, further emphasizing Emmanuel's pitching depth. King's lone bright spot in the last five years came in 2022, when they took two of three, including an 8–0 shutout. Before that, the 2021 season produced a competitive 2–2 split—the last time King defeated Emmanuel at a neutral site.
Keys for King: Spark the Offense, Stop the Big Inning
For King University, the mission is straightforward but challenging: break the streak and rediscover the postseason resilience they showed in 2021. To do that, they must establish early offense and avoid the multi-run innings that have repeatedly swung games in Emmanuel's favor. Late-inning execution will also be critical, as past matchups have often unraveled in the final frames. If King can control the tempo and keep the game close, they give themselves a chance to flip the script.
Keys for Emmanuel: Keep the Pressure On
Emmanuel enters the matchup with confidence and momentum. Their formula has been consistent—apply offensive pressure early and rely on deep, reliable pitching to carry the lead. The Lions' ability to string together innings and suppress opposing lineups has been the defining difference in recent years. Still, in a single-elimination setting, they must avoid giving King any early momentum. One swing, one inning, or one mistake can shift everything.
Game Day Information
Admissions
• Tickets available online
• No coolers or outside food or drinks permitted
Broadcast
• Daily Pass: $10
• Tournament Pass: $30
Concessions
Available at both CaroMont Health Park and Sims Legion Park.
Location
CaroMont Health Park
800 W Franklin Blvd
Gastonia, NC 28052
Final Outlook
This matchup brings together two programs familiar with each other's tendencies, strengths, and postseason emotions. Emmanuel holds the statistical edge and the momentum, but King has shown before that tournament environments can bring out their best. In a one-game playoff, history matters—but not as much as who seizes the moment. With everything on the line, both teams know that one inning could define their season.
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