The opening weekend of the 2026 NCAA Division II baseball season is complete, and No. RV Ashland University will start the new campaign at 1-2.
On the third and final day of the 2026 Houston Winter Invitational on Sunday (Feb. 1), the Eagles lost 10-2 to No. 2-ranked Central Missouri (2-1). All games at the invite were played at Daikin Park, home of Major League Baseball's Houston Astros.
Following a scoreless first inning, Ashland took an early lead in the top of the second thanks to a Central Missouri error and an unearned run. The Mules, however, came back with a six-spot in the bottom of the second and two runs in the third for an 8-1 lead.
Central Missouri then picked up single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
The Eagles finished the weekend with an RBI fielder's choice from junior pinch-hitter
Kaiden Mastri in the top of the ninth.
Junior right-handed pitcher
Griffin Ailes (0-1) started and went the first three innings, and allowed seven hits, eight runs (four earned) and four walks.
COMING UP
A three-game set with Frostburg State on Feb. 13-14 in Marietta, Ohio.
