WEST HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven Baseball faced off against LIU in three games over the weekend, with mixed results across the matchups. The Chargers (4-23, 4-11) fell to LIU 2-1 on Friday, lost a high-scoring affair 23-16 on Saturday, but rallied back to secure a narrow 12-11 walk-off victory on Sunday.

In the opener on Friday, New Haven managed just four hits, scoring their only run in the seventh inning. LIU took control of the game early, scoring two runs in the third inning. Elijah Fairchild's single and Ryan Rivera's subsequent single advanced Fairchild to third, setting up Jake Kelleher's hit that brought Fairchild home. A fielder's choice by Mike Polubinski allowed Rivera to score, giving LIU a 2-0 lead. New Haven's response came in the seventh when Jake Russo (Yaphank, N.Y./Bellport) singled and advanced on a balk before scoring on Casey Cerruto's (Torrington, Conn./St. Paul Catholic) fielder's choice. Despite the effort, the Chargers fell short, losing 2-1. Max Hilsenroth (Centerport, N.Y./Harborfields) pitched five innings with three strikeouts, while Jace Vanvalkneburg provided solid relief.

On Saturday, the Chargers fell in a wild contest that ended 23-16. New Haven started strong with four runs in the first inning, highlighted by key contributions from Nick Ungania (Mineola, N.Y./Chaminade), Jake Russo (Yaphank, N.Y./Bellport), and Casey Cerruto (Torrington, Conn./St. Paul Catholic). Matthew McIntire hit a home run and later delivered another two-run shot, finishing the game with five hits and four RBIs. However, despite their offensive explosion, including 22 hits and two home runs, the Chargers were unable to contain LIU, who erupted for a nine-run ninth inning to clinch the win.

In a thrilling conclusion on Sunday, New Haven overcame an early 8-0 deficit to defeat LIU 12-11 in extra innings. After a disastrous first inning for the Chargers, where LIU scored eight runs including a grand slam by Cord Dobrinski, New Haven began their comeback in the third with an RBI single from Jake Russo (Yaphank, N.Y./Bellport). The pivotal moment came in the seventh when the Chargers scored six runs, tying the game at 8-8. Aidan Forde, who had a standout performance with six hits and four RBIs, played a crucial role in New Haven's offense. After LIU regained the lead in the tenth, the Chargers sealed the victory with a two-RBI single from Forde and an RBI single from Nick Ungania (Mineola, N.Y./Chaminade).

Up next, New Haven will host the University of Bridgeport at 3 p.m. on April 15 at Frank Vieira Field in West Haven, Connecticut.