AVON, Ohio — No. 4 Northern Illinois (35-17) defeated No. 3 Toledo (32-29), 5-1, to win the program’s first-ever MAC Baseball Tournament Championship on Saturday night at ForeFront Field.
Northern Illinois secured the win with a strong performance from its pitching staff, which allowed just one run on six hits while recording 10 strikeouts. Offensively, Northern Illinois capitalized with runs in four different innings, including a two-run seventh inning, to seal the game.
Northern Illinois showcased strong performances from several standout players. Gavin Baldwin made a notable impact with a home run and three RBIs, highlighting his effectiveness at the plate. Cole Smith contributed significantly by driving in two runs and adding a double. On the mound, Cooper Cohn delivered a solid performance, pitching four scoreless innings and striking out five batters to earn the win. Notably, NIU pitcher Max Vaisvila was named Tournament MVP, underscoring his key role in the team’s success.
Toledo’s standout performers included Cole Giesige, who demonstrated solid pitching with five strikeouts over 4.1 innings. Although he allowed five hits and two earned runs, his control was evident with 51 strikes on 83 pitches. Braden Curry also showcased his pitching capabilities, recording 10 strikeouts across 4.2 innings.
Offensively, Luke Walton contributed at the plate with one hit and scored the team’s only run while drawing two walks.
Postgame Quotes
Northern Illinois head coach Ryan Copeland
“We knew we didn't want to get to tomorrow. We thought that would give them an advantage if we had to play Sunday. It was all hands on deck. We were kind of iffy on Max (Vaisvila) there at the end, but he said he was good enough to go. We had Carter down there, Mattie too, but I can't say enough about the effort from Blake and Cooper pitching on one day of rest after throwing a ton of pitches. Just proud of our effort. We're tough.
“We've got to be able to find a way to win every type of game, and I think that's something we stressed in recruiting. We stressed it in practice. I think we're dangerous because we can win any kind of game in front of us. It just felt like today was going to be that type of game. Toledo's a heck of a team. They have an unbelievable pitching staff. We got ahead early, but it never felt like we were going to put them away like we did yesterday. Just relentless at-bats, great defense again, and we pitched the heck out of it.
“It's a group of guys that takes a lot of pride in practice. They strive for perfection. Nobody's perfect, but Cole Smith getting that bunt down to get us to that five spot there was important. Our guys really believe in each other. They believe in our program. We believe in them, and I can't say enough about the journey we've been on, starting in Greensboro, North Carolina, three or four months ago. I thought we were good, but I can't say I thought I'd be standing here. It's been such a fun journey. I love these guys so much, and there are a lot of people in our program — alums included — who are really proud of NIU. I hope they understand this is for all of them. It's not just for the guys on the field, it's for everybody. I hope people enjoy watching us play baseball.”
2026 MAC Baseball All-Tournament Team
Ciaran Caughey, Kent State
Alejandro Covas, Kent State
Gavin Baldwin, Northern Illinois
Cooper Cohn, Northern Illinois
Carter Cox, Northern Illinois
Cole Smith, Northern Illinois
Max Vaisvila, Northern Illinois*
Michael Fliss, Toledo
Nathan Leininger, Toledo
Troy Sudbrook, Toledo
*Tournament MVP
