Peterson competed with Dallas Dirtbags in NBC World Series

WICHITA, Kan. – Mark Peterson (Cincinnati, Ohio) from the University of Dallas baseball team competed last week in the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series. The rising junior was part of the Great Southwest Collegiate League (GSCWL) Dallas Dirtbags, who won the regular season and league championship.

Peterson performed well in two-of-three games up in Wichita, posting three of his four hits for doubles. He drove in two runs apiece in the first pair of contests and scored twice in the latter of those matchups that Tuesday. In the final contest Peterson was hitless in two at-bats, but the Dirtbags as a whole mounted two hits in a five-inning setback.

"The NBC had a true championship atmosphere with top notch competition and a historic ballpark," Peterson reflected. "But nothing compares to the youngsters running up to you and asking for your autograph. It served as a constant reminder as to why I love playing baseball and to be grateful for every day that I get to play."

Wearing number 23, which he does for the Crusaders; Peterson played first base most of the summer and helped the Dirtbags to a record of 28-6. He batted .324 with the help of 24 hits that were tied second highest on the squad. Peterson pasted team-highs in doubles (7) and RBI (18). He added a pair of triples during this hot summer at the plate. View Stats

"The high caliber players on my team and in the GSCWL pushed me to play my best baseball all summer," Peterson stated. "My success at the plate really came from staying with my approach, getting comfortable in the box, and learning from my teammates. I also experienced what it takes to win championships at a high level, and that is something that I will bring back to UD as we head into fall ball."

In two seasons with UD, Peterson has combined for 52 hits, nine doubles, three triples, seven home runs, and 40 RBI. He scored 15 runs in each of those campaigns for 30 overall. This past spring, Peterson ranked in the top five on the squad for runs scored, ribbies, doubles, triples, homers, total bases, and walks. He tied a team-high with two others in sacrifice bunts with seven.

Nine Crusaders participated in summer leagues. Along with Peterson included: Josh Abalos (Lewisville, Texas), Jordan Stickler (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Kyle Gamez (Burleson, Texas), Luke Boylson (Fairview, Texas), Enrique Vigil (San Antonio, Texas), Paul Scioli (Lubbock, Texas), Austin Offutt (Frisco, Texas), Joseph Griesbauer (Troy, Mo.), and Abraham Griesbauer (Troy, Mo.).