The final showdown of the 2026 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship unfolded on a crisp spring evening in Winchester, Virginia, where the Farmingdale State Rams faced off against the Messiah University Falcons. The Rams entered the game with a 27‑11 record, riding the momentum of a 21‑game winning streak and a tenth Skyline Conference championship, but the Falcons struck first, posting five runs in the opening inning.
A Historic Run
Despite the early onslaught, Farmingdale State refused to fold. The offense rallied, with Richie Heyder delivering two home runs, four RBIs and two walks that kept the Rams within striking distance. Contributions from Mike Kocovic, who added a double and an RBI, and Jimmy Manzella, whose sacrifice fly brought home a crucial run, illustrated the depth of the lineup.
The comeback effort was fueled by a collective belief that the team could rewrite the narrative. Ryan Tam drove in two runs, while Kaolis Delacruz and Ryan Wasserman provided steady support at the plate and on the mound. The Rams chipped away at the deficit, narrowing the gap to a single digit before Messiah’s bullpen steadied the ship.
The Early Onslaught
Messiah’s early burst was anchored by Cristian Reyna’s two‑run home run, a swing that set the tone for a 12‑2 lead by the end of the second inning. The Falcons’ offense continued to press, capitalizing on a series of timely hits and aggressive base running that left the Rams scrambling to respond.
In the end, the championship slipped through the Rams’ grasp, but the season will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in Farmingdale State history. The team finished with a 27‑11 record, a testament to relentless perseverance and a culture that prioritizes excellence both on and off the diamond. As the players dispersed to their next chapters, the legacy of this historic run will continue to inspire future generations of Rams.