A thrilling doubleheader unfolded on Sunday at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where Manhattan Baseball showcased their skills against the Retrievers. The Jaspers demonstrated resilience by securing a victory in the first game but faced challenges in the second encounter.
In the initial match, the Jaspers took an early lead thanks to Andreaus Lewis's timely hit, driving in Dylan Mayer with two outs and runners positioned strategically. UMBC quickly responded with a sacrifice fly from Sergio Droz, leveling the score. However, it was Lewis and Aidan Taclas who made significant impacts in the fifth inning with powerful home runs, ultimately sealing the win for Manhattan in a tightly contested seven-inning affair.
The second game began promisingly for Manhattan as they continued their momentum from the first game, scoring twice in the opening frame. Trevor Hansen and Hunter Sute contributed crucial hits off Droz, putting the Jaspers ahead. Despite falling behind momentarily, Sute's impressive third-inning homer reestablished Manhattan's lead. They extended their advantage further into the fifth inning until UMBC staged a remarkable comeback, scoring eleven unanswered runs to take control. Sute's final double in the eighth inning provided Manhattan's last tally.
Talent and determination were evident throughout the day, highlighted by Taclas's consistent performance, including his fourth home run in nine games. Lewis also added to the team's offensive output with his third homer of the season. On the mound, Brad Grasser delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven complete innings with minimal runs allowed. Additionally, Hunter Sute had a standout day, achieving a batting average of .750 while contributing significantly with four RBIs.
Looking forward, the Jaspers aim to build on these experiences as they prepare to host Lafayette Leopards at Clover Stadium. This upcoming match offers another opportunity for growth and success, reflecting the team's commitment to improving their non-conference record. With such talent and drive, Manhattan Baseball continues to inspire optimism among fans and players alike, proving that every setback is a setup for a greater comeback.