On the second day of the America East Championship, the UMass Lowell baseball team faced a doubleheader that ended in disappointment. The River Hawks fell 3‑0 to the Binghamton Bearcats and were then edged out 8‑0 by the UMBC Retrievers, closing out their tournament run with two hard‑fought defeats.
The first game saw the Bearcats strike early, plating two runs in the second inning and adding a third in the third to build a 3‑0 lead. UMass Lowell managed a few baserunners but could not convert them into runs. In the nightcap, UMBC exploded for eight runs, highlighted by a two‑run first inning and a five‑run fourth that put the game out of reach.
Coach Barese’s Perspective
Head Coach Nick Barese acknowledged the losses but emphasized the team’s growth over the course of the season. He pointed to the steady development of younger players and the competitive spirit displayed even in the face of a steep deficit.
Several River Hawks turned in notable performances. Redshirt sophomore Sean O'Leary recorded a hit in the opener, while senior Jacob Jette delivered 5.2 innings with seven strikeouts and three earned runs against Binghamton. Graduate student Frankie DeMaro tossed two scoreless innings in relief, and sophomore Nolan Geisler contributed a strikeout in his start versus UMBC. Freshmen Tyler Dunlea and Josh Doney each threw a scoreless inning with two strikeouts apiece.
Looking Ahead
Despite the double setback, the roster’s blend of upperclassmen and promising newcomers suggests a foundation for future success. Coach Barese remains optimistic that the experience gained in these high‑pressure games will translate into stronger showings as the season progresses, and the team will look to build on the moments of solid pitching and timely hitting that have defined their campaign.