Game Overview
The 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship got off to a dramatic start when Shenandoah University, ranked No. 6 in the ABCA Division III Poll and No. 7 in the D3baseball.com tally, rolled past Farmingdale State College by a 21-1 margin. The Rams entered the tournament riding a 21-game winning streak, only to see it snapped in the opening contest.
Shenandoah's starter, Blake Griffin, delivered a solid performance, pitching seven innings while allowing just one earned run on three hits and issuing two walks. His effort set the tone for a game in which the visiting team capitalized on every opportunity, scoring six runs in the second inning alone.
Farmingdale State managed to break through in the top of the third, with sophomore shortstop Kaolis Delacruz reaching on a one-out infield single. Junior Carmine Scardina followed with a two-out walk, and freshman outfielder Matt Faraone drove home Delacruz with a timely base hit. Despite the single run, the Rams could not string together additional hits, finishing the game with just four scattered singles.
The loss not only halted Farmingdale's streak but also positioned them for an elimination game on Saturday. Their next opponent will be the loser of the matchup between Transylvania University and Messiah University, a contest that promises to keep the championship bracket competitive.
Key Performances
Beyond Griffin's pitching, Shenandoah's offense was bolstered by a balanced attack that saw multiple players contribute hits. Farmingdale's senior Richie Heyder and senior Christopher Sais each recorded a single hit, while Delacruz, Faraone, Scardina, and Heyder were the only Rams to reach base.
The game also highlighted the individual storylines that add depth to the tournament narrative. Players such as Mike Kocovic, Mike D'Angelo, and Tyler Diez were noted in the broadcast, underscoring the personal connections fans have with the athletes.