WEST HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven baseball (11-31, 10-17) faced a tough series against Delaware State University (5-40, 5-23), experiencing both victory and defeat in a set of closely contested games. The Chargers first fell 6-4 on Friday in game one of a doubleheader, secured a 5-3 win in game two on Friday, and then narrowly lost 8-7 on Sunday.
In the first game, New Haven battled hard despite a late rally that saw them score in the eighth and ninth innings. Delaware State capitalized early, scoring two runs in both the third and fourth innings.
Jaylin Manson (Newington, Conn./Newington) contributed to New Haven's effort with two runs. The game began with Delaware State taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to Carter Boyd's two-run single. New Haven responded, leveling the score at 2-2 by the end of the first.
Delaware State regained the lead in the third, extending it to 6-2 by the fourth inning. However, New Haven chipped away at the lead with runs in the eighth and ninth, but ultimately fell short.
Max Hilsenroth (Centerport, N.Y./Harborfields) started on the mound for New Haven, allowing five earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. Jace Vanvalkneburg delivered an impressive relief performance, pitching 5 1/3 innings with only one hit allowed.
The following day, New Haven rallied in the eighth inning to secure a 5-3 victory. Delaware State initially led 3-0 after scoring in the first and second innings. New Haven fought back, with
Jaylin Manson (Newington, Conn./Newington) scoring in the seventh, followed by a four-run eighth inning that turned the tide.
Joseph Frazzetta (Howard Beach, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) and Matthew McIntire both contributed significantly, with McDermott earning the win in relief, allowing just one hit over three innings.
In the final game of the series on Sunday, New Haven fell short in a tight 8-7 loss. Starting strong with a 3-0 lead after the first, thanks to Matthew McIntire's three-RBI single, New Haven extended its lead to 5-1 by the fourth inning. However, Delaware State struck back, scoring four runs in the seventh to take a 7-5 lead. Despite a late home run from
Cam McGugan (Mystic, Conn./Fitch) that brought New Haven within one run, they could not complete the comeback.
New Haven's pitching featured
Cole Gibson (Fairfield, Conn./Fairfield Ludlow), who started strong with four innings pitched and four strikeouts, but the bullpen struggled in the later innings. McGugan's homer and McIntire's continued offensive presence were highlights, but the team could not overcome the late-game surge from Delaware State.
Looking ahead, the Chargers will travel to Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn., for a game at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12.
