KODAK, TENN. – The Queens University of Charlotte baseball team (29-20, 17-7 SAC) is set to take the diamond for the 2022 South Atlantic Conference Championships tomorrow, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Smokies stadium in Kodak, Tenn. The third-seeded Royals will face off against fourth-seeded, and No. 26 ranked Lenoir-Rhyne (40-10, 17-7 SAC) in the opening round.
 
The game features a historic milestone as the Royals will be making their first ever postseason appearance in the program's young history. In just their fourth season as an NCAA team, the Royals won 29 games which is more victories than the previous three seasons combined. Additionally, Queens faced some of the best opponents in the region taking on six nationally ranked teams and holding a top 60 strength of schedule.
 
Having played an intense 27 games on the road this season, the Royals not only handled their business, but made significant improvements from last season. The Royals offense has exploded to the tune of a .310 batting average which is top 50 in the country following a season in which the team hit .257. The power numbers have skyrocketed as Queens has hit 64 home runs this season, which is second most in the conference compared to just 12 total last year. The Royals are scoring in bunches plating 10 or more runs in 17 games this year as they are averaging 7.9 runs per game.
 
SAC First Team All-Conference recipient Nick Brassington has led the Royals all season hitting a team-high .371 with a .678 slugging percentage. The senior set the program single season and career record for home runs with 16 on the year which is atop the conference ranks. Riley Cheek has been instrumental for the Royals offense hit .340 with 26 extra base hits which ranks third in the conference behind Nick Brassington (30) and Braylin Marine (28). SAC Third Team All-Conference honoree, and freshman Dillon Lewis has put together a spectacular first season in the Queen City hitting .353 across 31 starts with seven home runs. Seniors Nick Melton and Carter Foster have both stepped up for the Royals as they are each hitting over .300 with 20 extra base hits.
 
On the mound, the Royals pitching staff has lowered their team ERA from a 6.51 last season to a 4.90 this season. Queens has been sharp across the board as opponents are hitting just .257 off them. Junior Tanner Jacobson has led the Royals pitching staff holding a 5-2 record with a 3.65 ERA across 56.2 innings. The Pittsburgh, Pa. native has struck out 71 batters this season and has a pair of complete games under his belt. Out of the bullpen, Daniel Bagwell has been sensational making 17 appearances throwing 55.0 innings and holding a 3.60 ERA. The junior set a new single game program recording tossing 9.2 scoreless relief innings while only surrendering four hits in the victory over No. 11/13 Newberry. In the final weekend of the regular season, Bagwell again stepped up in relief throwing 8.1 innings while striking out nine Cavaliers for a new career-high. Nick Charleson and Zach Kelly have both posted quality seasons on the mound for Queens holding a combined 3.79 ERA across 113.3 innings.

The Royals finished tied for third in the conference behind No. 1 Wingate and No. 15/19 Newberry. By virtue of the tiebreaker, Queens earned the third seed ahead of No. 26 Lenoir-Rhyne. The incredible finish comes after the Royals were picked to finish 11th in the South Atlantic Conference Preseason Poll. 
 
The South Atlantic Conference Championships will run from April 28 through May 2 in Kodak, Tenn. at the Tennessee Smokies stadium. Fans can purchase single game tickets or an all-session pass by visiting the SAC Championships Tournament website.
 
Be sure to follow the Royals on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest news and updates surrounding Queens Baseball. Fans are also encouraged to follow Queens Athletics on Twitter and Instagram to stay updated on all of the Royals sports in action.