Using stellar pitching and clutch offense in Week 1 of the 2026 Russ-Matt Invitational on March 6 and 7, TCJ Eagles Baseball won 2 of 3 games against elite NAIA opponents from the North. Trinity defeated Michigan's Cornerstone University 10-6 on Thursday and Iowa's Dort University 4-0 on Saturday. Brodie Nichols was the star on the mound against Dordt, and throughout the three games (including Northwestern University of Iowa), Cooper Scruggs had the biggest series at the plate while playing several positions defensively. Several other Eagles also has strong pitching and offensive games, but these two men won the honors for March 2-7.

Full NCCAA Pitcher of the Week: Brodie Nichols

From the official NCCAA announcment: "Nichols pitched a gem against NAIA Dordt University, helping Trinity College of Jacksonville upset a team that had just swept NAIA (3) Southeastern University. Nichols, a freshman from Yulee, Florida, threw a rare nine-inning complete game where he struck out six batters. He had complete command of the strike zone, allowing just five hits and walking only one batter. Dordt was unable to find a run as Trinity Jacksonville earned a 4-0 win as part of two victories this week vs. NAIA opponents."

Stats on the week: 9.0 IP, 0 R, 6 K, 5 H, 1 BB, 1 W

See Brodie's official NCCAA Announcement here. 

NCCAA Division 2 Offensive Player of the Week: Cooper Scruggs

From the official NCCAA announcement: "Scruggs helped Trinity College of Jacksonville beat a pair of NAIA programs this week, hitting an outstanding .667 with four hits. The sophomore from Valdosta, Georgia, was incredibly patient at the plate, drawing six walks which led to five runs scored. He stole two crucial bases, including one in a 10-6 win over Cornerstone University. Scruggs tallied an on-base percentage of .833 this week to lead the team as the Eagles now move to 8-11 on the year after a 2-1 record at the RussMatt Invitational College Baseball Tournament."
 
Stats on the week: .667 BA, 4 H, 5 R, 6 BB, 2 SB

See Cooper's official NCCAA announcement here.

2026 Honorees

Nichols is the first TCJ Eagle in 2026 to win the honor for the entire NCCAA Baseball program. 

Scruggs is the third Eagle this season to win either Player of the Week award in NCCAA Division 2. Nichols has earned this honor twice, and Gavin Williams has earned the honor once.