The baseball team ended its season on a high note, winning two of three games against Holy Cross this past weekend, but finishing last in the Patriot League.
The Leopards (7-19 Patriot League, 12-33 overall) struck first in the second inning of Saturday’s opener, with sophomore infielder Boden Fernsler scoring on a sacrifice bunt laid down by senior outfielder Charlie Chropuvka.
Junior right-handed pitcher Tristan Helmick held off the Crusaders (13-13 Patriot League, 21-27 overall) until the fifth inning, when an RBI single tied the game 1-1. After the tie stood through nine, the game entered extra innings.
Holy Cross broke the deadlock in the 11th with an RBI single to go up 2-1. The Leopards stayed alive, answering with an RBI groundout from freshman infielder Will Dobil that brought home junior outfielder Teddy Cashman.
After another scoreless inning, Holy Cross reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the 13th with a two-run single, and the 4-2 score held.
Sunday saw the Leopards rebound, taking both halves of the doubleheader against the Crusaders.
Dobil got right to work in game one’s bottom of the first, reaching second base after a single and a steal. Junior catcher Brandon Doubek followed, smoking a home run to right field to give the Leopards an early 2-0 lead.
Following a triple in the sixth, Fernsler scored off a wild pitch to extend the lead. Holy Cross attempted a rally in the seventh inning, scoring one, but the Maroon and White held on for a 3-1 victory.
Freshman right-handed pitcher Gregory Quintana led the charge for the pitching staff, dealing 5.2 scoreless innings. He allowed only four hits while striking out five.
The Maroon and White made an early statement in the series decider later that afternoon, with Fernsler slashing a three-run home run and senior outfielder Bode Grieve firing off a solo shot in the bottom of the first. Holy Cross responded with two runs of their own in the fourth, but Lafayette added another in the bottom.
A rally appeared to be forming after the Crusaders scored runs in the eighth and ninth innings, but the Leopard bullpen was up to the challenge, finishing the game 7-4.
The Leopards finished their regular season at the bottom of the Patriot League standings, missing out on the playoffs for the third straight season.