America East Tournament Opener Ends in Defeat
The University at Albany baseball team opened the America East Tournament with an 11‑5 loss to the University of Maine, a game that saw the Black Bears build an early lead and never look back.
Maine's Power Surge
Maine struck first with a three‑run homer from Nic Pepe, extending the advantage to 5‑3 in the third inning. Albert De La Rosa added a solo shot later that inning, and Quinn Murphy capped the sixth with a two‑RBI double that pushed the lead to 11‑5.
Great Danes' Offensive Highlights
For Albany, Michael Maggio drove in three runs and contributed a hit, while Patrick DeSarno went 3‑for‑5 with an RBI. Cooper Loyal was a bright spot, collecting four hits and scoring twice. Luke Filippi added a pair of hits, an RBI and two runs scored. The lineup also included Hunter St. Denis, John Vitucci and Juju Stevens.
Reliever Matthew Mariano entered in the later innings, tossing 2.1 scoreless frames to limit further damage, though the deficit proved insurmountable.
Looking Ahead
The loss marks a tough finish to the season for the Great Danes, who will aim to regroup and build on the performances of their key hitters as they prepare for future competition.