NGU with Marek Chlup won another tournament and is a step closer to World Series
After winning the conference tournament, North Greenville University was also able to win the regional tournament and they are a step closer to the World Series for Division II teams,
The road to the victory wasn’t easy, however. First, NGU needed to beat UNC Pembroke. However, they were 0-4 behind after the first inning. But then came important moments for Marek Chlup. First, he got an RBI in the bottom half of the first inning, to score a three run homerun in the third inning to tie the game. Pat Monteith then added two solo homerun and NGU won 6-4.
UNC Pembroke then lost to Lenoir-Rhyne and NGU knew their final opponent. It was played as best of three. NGU lost the first game 1-7 and if they wanted to win, they had to take both games. In the second game, NGU pressed from the start, scoring 3 runs. One of them was thanks to Marek Chlup, who had a hit and two runs. NGU won 8-4 and the series went to the third game.
If NGU wished for the repeat of the second game, the first inning showed them it wouldn’t be that easy. Starter Michael Rodriguez didn’t have a good game, and had to be substituted after two outs with score 0-2. Fortunately NGU managed to tie the scored in the bottom half of the inning and took the lead in the third. Marek Chlup’s teammates slowly increased the score until the final 13-3. Czech had a double and 2 RBI during the game.
Chlup’s father and girlfriend Johana supported Marek from the stands throughout the tournament. Both also had a surprise for him.
With the win, North Greenville got a spot in Southeast Super Regional Tournament, where they play against Southest Regional #2 Tournament winner. If they manage to win, they will play in NCAA DII World Series.
