The Binghamton Bearcats closed out their regular season with a dramatic 13‑12 win over UMass Lowell on Tuesday night, a game that swung back and forth before the home team seized the lead in the final frame.
A Late Surge
In the eighth inning the Bearcats erupted for four runs, highlighted by sophomore designated hitter Tommy Popoff’s three‑run homer that put them ahead. The burst of offense turned a tied contest into a 10‑7 edge.
UMass Lowell answered with an unearned run in the bottom of the eighth to narrow the gap, but the Bearcats answered back in the ninth. A walk by sophomore first baseman Steven Kraus set the stage, followed by a sacrifice bunt from pinch hitter Zach Anderson and a sacrifice fly from senior shortstop Mike Stellrecht that moved the runners into scoring position.
Standout Performances
Popoff finished the night with two hits and four RBIs, raising his season total to 52, the second‑most in the conference. Catcher Andrew Heppner contributed a 2‑run homer in the fourth inning, and Zack Kent went 3‑for‑5 with two RBIs. Kent’s 3‑for‑5 effort underscored a balanced offensive attack.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Binghamton clinches the No. 1 seed for the upcoming six‑team America East tournament, a testament to a season marked by resilience and clutch hitting. The Bearcats will now turn their focus to the postseason, where the top seed could provide a strategic advantage.