The Staggs opened the Tufts regional tournament with a gritty 8‑6 victory over Kean University, a game that swung back and forth before settling in the eighth inning.
Early on, Kean struck first, plating a run in the second frame after a single by Dan Reistle set the stage.
The Staggs answered in the fourth with an RBI single, then surged ahead in the fifth when Bryce Didrickson launched a solo homer that put them on top.
A costly error and a sacrifice fly in the same fifth inning allowed the Cougars to reclaim the lead, but the momentum shifted again when CMS tied the game in the seventh with an RBI fielder’s choice and a fortunate error.
Didrickson’s bat proved decisive once more in the eighth, as his two‑run homer gave the Staggs a lead they would not relinquish.
CMS added two more runs in the eighth, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice and a mistimed infield popup, before Kean mustered a late rally that fell short.
Jacob Young closed out the contest with two strikeouts, sealing the 8‑6 final and sending the Staggs to face Tufts in the next round.
What’s next?
The Staggs will meet host Tufts at 2:30 p.m. in a matchup that promises another tight contest, while Kean prepares for an elimination game against Mitchell College at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Both teams will look to lean on their late‑inning heroes — Didrickson’s power bat and Young’s closing arm — as the tournament progresses.