Murray State Racers Make History as Rare No. 4 Seed to Reach CWS

Murray, Kentucky, USA - The Murray State baseball team has thrust itself into the spotlight by advancing to the College World Series (CWS) following a thrilling victory over Duke in the Durham Super Regional. After a shaky start where they lost Game 1 on June 7, the Racers roared back, winning Games 2 and 3 on June 8 and June 9, respectively. It’s a dramatic success for Murray State, marking them as the fourth No. 4 seed to make it to the CWS since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1999, with previous mentions including Oral Roberts in 2023, Stony Brook in 2012, and Fresno State in 2008, as noted by Yahoo Sports.

Murray State, boasting a season record of 44-15, first made their mark by winning the Oxford Regional against No. 10 seed Ole Miss. This victory set the stage for their matchup against Duke, a team that had bested No. 7 Georgia in the Athens Regional. As they gear up for their CWS opening match against No. 15 UCLA on June 14, the Racers look to channel the spirit of recent 4-seed success stories as they make their bid in Omaha.

Historical Context

Murray State’s achievement isn’t just a fluke; it symbolizes a burgeoning trend where lower-seeded teams are making waves in the postseason. The Racers are also the first Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) team to reach the CWS in over two decades, a feat that highlights their determined journey. Dan Skirka, now in his seventh season as head coach and a pivotal figure in their rise, previously served as an assistant coach and has steered the program back to prominence over the last few seasons. Under his leadership, they notched their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2003, making this a particularly special moment for the Racers‘ fans, as detailed by Palm Beach Post.

The university, located in Murray, Kentucky, was founded in 1922 and has hosted a solid student population of 8,111. Known for its athletic teams dubbed the Racers, Murray State’s mascot, Dunker, pays homage to its locale’s rich thoroughbred racing heritage. The university has seen a significant rise in rankings, recently placed eighth among top public universities in the South for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. This illustrates how well-rounded the institution has become, marrying academic and athletic success.

Looking Forward

Murray State’s record-breaking season, which includes a remarkable 42 wins, positions them strongly as they enter the CWS. This surpasses their previous single-season record of 40 wins established back in 1975. Notably, their conference journey through the MVC Tournament involved defeating formidable teams like Belmont and Missouri State, showcasing their resilience and readiness to face challenges head-on.

With high hopes of replicating Fresno State’s extraordinary national championship win back in 2008, there’s a tangible excitement surrounding the Racers. They are not just aiming to participate but are determined to leave their mark in Omaha. As fans rally behind them, one thing is clear: the Racers are ready to take on the challenge, proving that sometimes, the underdogs have the strongest bite.