A Nail‑Biting Finish
The 2026 America East Baseball Championships opened in Vestal, New York, with UMass Lowell drawing first blood. After six and a half innings the River Hawks held a 3‑0 lead, capitalizing on early pitching control and a disciplined approach at the plate.
Tying the Game
Bryant answered in the bottom of the seventh, plating three runs to knot the contest. The rally was sparked by a timely single from Charlie Saul, extending his hitting streak to eight games, and a clutch hit from Owen Birchard that set the stage for the comeback.
The Decisive Eleventh Inning
The game swung back to UMass Lowell in the top of the eleventh when four unearned runs crossed the plate. Carlos Martinez delivered a two‑run double that broke the tie, and Nicholas Solarzano followed with a two‑run home run that pushed the lead to 7‑3. Bryant managed two runs in the bottom of the inning, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
Despite the final score, the Bulldogs rallied hard, with Casey Wensley driving in three runs and Carlos Irizarry adding a key hit that underscored his career total of 181 RBI in 181 collegiate games.
Standout Performances
UMass Lowell outhit Bryant 17‑10, a testament to their balanced attack. Bryant’s baserunning shone throughout the season, stealing two bases to finish with an America East record 147 for the year. Aidan Vining made his 57th and final collegiate appearance, while Cole Schiff logged his 62nd and last game, both marking the end of distinguished careers.
Season in Review
The Bulldogs concluded the season with a 27‑25 overall record, a run that featured a strong finish and numerous individual milestones. Their 11‑inning battle against UMass Lowell encapsulated the team’s resilience, but the unearned runs in the final frame ultimately sealed their departure from the tournament.