The William Carey Crusaders advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 NAIA World Series with a 17-7 run-rule victory over Southeastern Florida on Wednesday night at Harris Field.
Carey took control early, loading the bases in the first inning before Hays Carley hit a two-run double. An error extended the inning, allowing two more runs to score, giving the Crusaders a 4-0 lead despite only one hit in the frame.
The Crusaders continued their offensive surge in the second inning, with Franklin Hernandez doubling in two runs to push the lead to 6-0. Southeastern scored twice in the third on an RBI double by Cooper Ciesielski and a sacrifice fly from Charlie Collins. Carey responded immediately with five runs in the bottom half, highlighted by a three-run homer from Jayden Mark and RBI singles from DeeJay Booth and Taylor Walters, making it 11-2.
The Fire rallied in the following innings, scoring five runs over three frames, including a two-run double from Collins in the sixth to cut the lead to 11-7. Carey responded in the bottom of the sixth with a six-run inning, featuring a leadoff homer from Tyler Ducksworth and key hits from Mark, Walters, and Carley. A defensive error also contributed to the rally.
Southeastern threatened in the seventh, loading the bases, but reliever Jackson Hawsey struck out the final batter to seal the win for Carey. Mark led the offense with five RBIs, while Carley added three. Walters, Hernandez, and Ducksworth each contributed two RBIs in the victory.
The Crusaders will face Taylor University on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Harris Field.
