NAIA and NCAA DII World Series has PBSC Flair
Four former Panthers are living out their world series dreams as members of four-year baseball programs that are competing in the 2021 NAIA and NCAA Division II baseball championships -- Michael D'Emo of University of Tampa, Christian Flint of University of Tampa, Justice Lucas of Faulkner University, and James Reynolds of Keiser University.
Former Panther 1st Baseman Justice Lucas, who played for the Panthers in 2018-2019, now starts at 1st Base for Faulkner University. Faulkner, 39-10, recently defeated one of the top ranked teams in the nation, Indiana University Southeast to advance to the final four of the NAIA World Series. Faulkner will face off against Georgia Gwinnett on Wednesday June 2, at 6:30 CDT. Lucas is off to a tremendous start in the World Series, hitting .272 with 3 RBI, a double, 1 run scored, and a walk in 3 games played.
Former Panther Pitcher James Reynolds, who played for PBSC in 2017-2018, is the anchor of Keiser University's pitching staff. Keiser, managed by former big-leaguer Brook Fordyce, saw their season come to an end on May 31 with a loss to Indiana University Southeast. Reynolds appeared in one game, the opening game, getting the start for the Keiser Seahawks and allowed 9 hits, 3 earned runs, and struck out 4 over four innings pitched.
D'Emo was a two-year starter for the Panthers, pitching out of the bullpen and the starting rotation throughout his career. Michael subsequently transferred to the University of Tampa where he has enjoyed success on the mound. Tampa is in the midst of an impressive run as they trounced the competition at the NCAA Division II South Regional Tournament. Tampa won all of their games, including an impressive 17-7 victory over West Florida where D'Emo made his regional tournament debut. In that game, D'Emo appeared in relief and allowed one hit in 1.2 scoreless innings pitched. His most recent appearance came in the regional-clinching victory over West Florida on Sunday.
Flint played for the Panthers in 2017-2018 after transferring from the University of South Carolina. During his one season at PBSC, Christian batted .344 and was an All-Southern Conference 2nd Team selection. Flint now plays shortstop for the Tampa Spartans and during the south Regional Tournament, Flint played in three games, batting .333, and driving in 4 RBI. He was a key catalyst in the Sprtans' win over #1 ranked West Florida on May 29. Flint was on base 3 times, had 2 hits, and drove in 3 runs in a 17-7 victory.
Tampa now advances to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship as the #5 seed in the tournament. They will take on #4 Trevecca Nazarene in the opening round on June 5 at 2:00 ET.
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