The Staggs pulled off an 8‑6 victory over Kean University in the opening round of the NCAA Tufts regional tournament, securing a spot in the next round.
Opening Inning Sparks
Kean struck first in the second inning when Dan Reistle singled home JT Abrusci, giving the Cougars an early 1‑0 lead.
The Staggs answered in the fourth with an RBI single that tied the game, and Bryce Didrickson’s solo homer in the fifth put them ahead 2‑1.
Mid‑Game Momentum Shifts
A critical error by the Cougars in the fifth allowed Justin Teixeira to reach, enabling Nick Sellari to score and reclaim the lead for Kean.
Tyler Stone’s sacrifice fly added a third run, and Brett Hilsheimer’s bases‑loaded walk extended the advantage to 4‑2.
Late Inning Drama
Claremont‑Mudd‑Scripps (CMS) rallied in the seventh with an RBI fielder’s choice and an error that knotted the score again.
The Staggs finally pulled away in the eighth as Didrickson launched a two‑run homer, his second of the game, to make it 6‑4.
CMS added two more runs on a fielder’s choice and a mistimed infield popup, pushing the lead to 8‑4 before Kean scored twice in the same inning.
Reliever Jacob Young entered and closed out the threat with two strikeouts, sealing the 8‑6 final.
With the win, the Staggs advance to face host Tufts University in a 2:30 p.m. showdown, while Kean prepares for an elimination game against Mitchell College at 11 a.m. on Saturday.