In a stunning upset that’s making waves across the college baseball world, Murray State University has defeated powerhouse Duke University to clinch a historic spot in the Men’s College World Series for the first time in the program’s history.
The thrilling matchup, held at a neutral-site regional final, ended with Murray State pulling off a dramatic 6-4 victory over the Blue Devils, a perennial contender in NCAA baseball. The win not only ends Duke’s hopes of another deep postseason run but also marks a groundbreaking achievement for the Racers, who have long fought for national recognition in college baseball.
Murray State came into the tournament as underdogs, but their performance has proven anything but. With standout performances on both offense and defense, the Racers demonstrated poise, power, and perseverance. Sophomore pitcher Ethan Wallace was dominant on the mound, holding Duke’s high-powered offense in check through seven strong innings. Offensively, senior outfielder Jake Thompson led the way with a crucial two-run double in the 8th inning that gave Murray State the lead for good.
“This is what we’ve worked for all season,” said Head Coach Ryan Jenkins, who has turned the program around in just a few short years. “These guys believed in each other and played their hearts out. Beating a team like Duke shows the level we’re at now.”
The victory sends shockwaves through the NCAA Division I baseball tournament, shaking up the road to Omaha. It also fuels a growing narrative of mid-major schools making serious noise in a sport often dominated by traditional powerhouses.
Murray State now prepares to make its debut at the College World Series in Omaha, where they’ll face off against some of the most elite teams in college baseball. No matter what happens next, the Racers have already made history—and the college baseball world is officially on notice.
