Epic Marathon Matches: Longest NCAA DI Baseball Games

College baseball fans have witnessed some of the most grueling and thrilling marathon games in NCAA Division I history. These epic battles have tested the endurance, skill, and mental fortitude of players while providing unforgettable moments for fans.

From record-breaking innings to stunning individual performances, these games have left a lasting impact on the sport.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the top ten longest NCAA Division I baseball games, highlighting the key moments and players that made these games truly remarkable.

The Longest Game in NCAA History: Texas vs. Boston College

The epitome of long NCAA baseball games took place during the NCAA Tournament’s Austin Regional.

This game, lasting a staggering 25 innings, is the longest game ever at the Division I level.

The game stretched over seven hours, showcasing incredible performances, particularly from Texas reliever Austin Wood.

Wood pitched 13 shutout innings and struck out 14 batters.

Texas ultimately secured a 3-2 victory in the bottom of the 25th inning at 1:05 a.m., setting the gold standard for college baseball intensity and drama.

Key Highlights

• Duration: 25 innings
• Texas reliever Austin Wood pitched 13 shutout innings
• Final score: Texas 3, Boston College 2
• Game ended at 1:05 a.m.

Colonial Athletic Association Marathon: College of Charleston vs. William & Mary

In the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, the College of Charleston faced off against William & Mary in a hard-fought 23-inning game.

Both teams exhibited remarkable pitching, pushing their bullpens to the limit.

The Cougars eventually scored the winning run in the 23rd inning, concluding a six-hour struggle. This victory provided Charleston with the momentum needed for an NCAA Regional appearance that year.

Notable Moments

• Duration: 23 innings
• Pitching dominated the game
• Final score: College of Charleston 3, William & Mary 2

Historic Clash: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. McNeese State

This game predates modern timekeeping in NCAA baseball. In a 23-inning back-and-forth battle, Louisiana-Lafayette emerged victorious over McNeese State with a score of 6-5.

Although not officially timed, this game is a cherished part of Cajun baseball folklore and stands as one of the longest wins in pre-digital scorekeeping history.

Game Highlights

• Duration: 23 innings
• Final score: Louisiana-Lafayette 6, McNeese State 5

Fort Worth Regional Showdown: TCU vs. Sam Houston State

During the 2014 NCAA Fort Worth Regional, TCU and Sam Houston State battled for nearly seven hours in a 22-inning game.

Both teams were evenly matched, with the score remaining locked at 2-2 for an extended period.

TCU’s defense ultimately secured the victory in the 22nd inning, paving the way for the Horned Frogs to compete in the College World Series.

Key Takeaways

• Duration: 22 innings
• Final score: TCU 3, Sam Houston State 2

Endurance Test: Fresno State vs. San Diego

This marathon game, lasting seven hours and 12 minutes, is the longest in NCAA history.

Fresno State and San Diego faced off in a 22-inning showdown that tested the mental endurance of both teams.

Fresno State eventually won 3-2, with the teams leaving 50 runners on base and numerous missed opportunities.

Memorable Moments

• Duration: 22 innings
• Final score: Fresno State 3, San Diego 2
• 50 runners left on base

Early-Season Thriller: Baylor vs. Houston

In an early-season game, Baylor and Houston were locked in a low-scoring standstill for nearly six and a half hours.

Baylor eventually broke the deadlock, scoring six runs in the 22nd inning to win 8-2.

This game remains one of the longest ever played early in the season, testing both teams before their conference schedules began.

Game Summary

• Duration: 22 innings
• Final score: Baylor 8, Houston 2

Classic Marathon: Colorado vs. Nebraska

Another classic marathon game saw Colorado defeat Nebraska 2-1 after 22 innings.

Although there is no official time recorded, the intense conflict made national headlines.

This game occurred just a few years before Colorado discontinued its baseball program, making it one of the program’s most memorable victories.

Key Details

• Duration: 22 innings
• Final score: Colorado 2, Nebraska 1

Gary Regional Epic: Kent State vs. Kentucky

In a memorable NCAA Tournament game at the Gary Regional, Kent State and Kentucky battled for 21 innings in a back-and-forth slugfest.

The Golden Flashes eventually won 7-6, propelling them to their first College World Series berth.

This game is not only one of the longest but also one of the most significant in NCAA history.

Highlights

• Duration: 21 innings
• Final score: Kent State 7, Kentucky 6

Unusual Tie: Unnamed Teams

Unlike the other games on this list, this 21-inning game ended in a tie, which is rare in collegiate baseball.

The teams were knotted at 4-4, likely due to time limits or darkness.

Despite the anticlimactic ending, the sheer number of innings played cements this game’s place in NCAA history.

Game Facts

• Duration: 21 innings
• Final score: 4-4 tie

Old-School Epic: Louisiana Tech vs. Southern Arkansas

The list concludes with another old-school epic.

Louisiana Tech defeated Southern Arkansas 2-1 in a 21-inning game.

Although the game was not officially timed, the low score and long innings indicate a masterpiece in pitching and defense.

This game exemplifies how two under-the-radar teams can create a marathon masterpiece.

Key Moments

• Duration: 21 innings
• Final score: Louisiana Tech 2, Southern Arkansas 1

For more detailed information on these incredible games, visit the College Football Network.