Score: UAlbany 4, UMass 3
Location: Varsity Field – Albany, N.Y.
Records: UAlbany (4-14, 2-1 America East) | UMass (5-11, 1-8 MAC)
Short Story: The University at Albany baseball team used a four-run second inning, highlighted by a grand slam from
Jaxon Mueller, to take down UMass in their home opener on Tuesday afternoon.
Coach Jon Mueller: "I thought today it was about playing really good fundamental defense, and obviously we threw the ball pretty well. Jaxson [Mueller] had a big hit in the middle of the game and it really kind of set the tone for us. Looking forward to this weekend, a huge, huge weekend series coming up with UMBC."
Key Stats:
How it Happened:
- UMass struck first in the top of the second inning, using a double, a stolen base, and an RBI groundout to take a 1-0 lead.
- UAlbany responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Levi McAllister, Kyle Stephens, and Patrick DeSarno each singled to load the bases before Jaxon Mueller launched a grand slam to right center, giving the Great Danes a 4-1 advantage.
- UMass trimmed the deficit in the third inning with an RBI single from Fox to make it 4-2.
- Mark Gajowski started on the mound for UAlbany and worked through four innings before Brian Cadieux took over in the fifth. Cadieux held UMass scoreless across four innings, stranding multiple runners and preserving the two-run lead.
- UMass threatened in the sixth inning by loading the bases, but Cadieux escaped the jam with a strikeout to keep the score at 4-2.
- UAlbany had chances to extend the lead late, including a triple from Patrick DeSarno in the seventh inning, but could not add insurance.
- Jameson Walsh entered in the ninth inning and recorded the final three outs, allowing a solo home run before closing out the 4-3 victory to secure the save.
Next: The Great Danes stay in Albany to host UMBC for a weekend series March 27 - March 29.
Keep up with UAlbany baseball by following the team on X
(@UAlbanybaseball), Instagram (
@ualbanybaseball), and Facebook (
UAlbany Baseball).
