Today is March 12, 2026, and baseball fans are buzzing with excitement as North Park Baseball gears up for a thrilling matchup at the RussMatt Invitational in Davenport, Florida. Just yesterday, they delivered a stunning performance against Mount Saint Mary (NY), winning 19-7 in a seven-inning game. This victory marked the Vikings’ fourth consecutive win, showcasing their prowess on the diamond.
During the game, North Park’s offense was nothing short of explosive, scoring 16 runs in the first four innings alone. The Vikings tallied 15 hits, including six doubles, a triple, and a highlight-reel three-run home run by junior catcher Reyn Matsuzaki. The scoring spree began with a three-run first inning, followed by a five-run second inning that featured a two-run single from John Greenwood and Matsuzaki’s impressive home run. The team continued to build on their lead with contributions from players like Joe Perona and Kupono Akaka.
Game Highlights and Performers
Jason Schmierer had a strong showing on the mound, pitching six innings, allowing just two runs, and striking out seven batters. Freshman Matthew Mendez made his collegiate debut, successfully recording the final two outs in the seventh inning. North Park’s offensive effort saw ten different players reaching base, with seven players contributing RBIs, making it a true team victory.
Among the top performers for North Park were:
- Joe Perona: 3-for-3, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 2B, SB
- John Greenwood: 2-for-2, 2 runs, 3 RBI, 2B, 2 BB
- Reyn Matsuzaki: Home run, 4 RBI, sacrifice fly
- Taylor Joseph: 2-for-3, 3 runs, 2 RBI, BB
Mount Saint Mary put up a fight, with standout performances from Nico Simou, who went 3-for-3 with 2 runs and 1 RBI, and Chris Kiamos, who added a double and 2 RBIs to their tally.
About the RussMatt Invitational
The RussMatt Central Florida Invitational is no ordinary baseball tournament. Annually, it attracts over 250 colleges, including NCAA D I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO teams. The event is known as the “largest collegiate baseball event in the world” and has been a staple tradition for players, coaches, and local communities since 2009. Over a span of eight weeks, more than 1,000 games are played across various venues in Polk County, providing a much-needed escape from colder climates.
This year, North Park will continue their tournament journey with a game against the College of St. Scholastica on March 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM ET. With its strategic location near major Florida airports and affordable lodging options, the RussMatt Invitational not only brings in teams but also supports the local economy by filling hotels and restaurants during the tournament. For more information about the event, you can visit this link.
The competitive atmosphere is intense, with teams facing off against opponents they typically wouldn’t encounter in their conferences. This unique exposure helps players and teams grow, making each game crucial to their season. As North Park continues to shine at the RussMatt Invitational, the excitement for baseball season in Florida is just heating up!
For more details on North Park’s recent successes, check out the full article from the source here.