In a compelling doubleheader on Sunday afternoon at Dresser Diamond, Middletown, CT, Wesleyan University's baseball team showcased remarkable resilience despite being swept by Williams College. Evan Diaz '25 emerged as the standout player of the day, contributing significantly with two home runs and crucial RBIs. The Ephs (16-13 overall, 7-5 NESCAC West) maintained their lead over the Cardinals (10-22 overall, 2-10 NESCAC West) after securing a victory on Friday night. Despite the loss, Diaz concluded the weekend with an impressive tally of four home runs and nine RBIs.
Detailed Recap of the Doubleheader Action
On a sunny spring afternoon in Middletown, Connecticut, fans gathered at Dresser Diamond to witness Wesleyan’s final home game of the season against Williams College. In the first game, both teams engaged in nearly three scoreless innings before Williams broke through with a strategic double hit to right field. As the match progressed, Wesleyan's Tyler Cosgrove '25 singled down to left field, advancing Jonah Timmons '27 who was walked, tying the game momentarily. James Marsden '26 capitalized on an error by the third baseman, giving the Cardinals their first lead of the game.
The Ephs regained momentum with another pitching change, allowing Jack Carpenter '25 to nail a double out left. Following suit, Cosgrove contributed with his own double into left field, enabling Carpenter to score. By the sixth inning, Williams retook the lead, scoring three times to surpass the Cardinals, adding another three runs in the seventh. An error at third base allowed Sullivan to reach safely, setting the stage for Diaz's powerful home run that drove both players home in the final inning. David Tirrell '25 bore the loss, having pitched six innings while striking out five batters but conceding seven runs.
In the second game, scoring commenced slowly with neither team advancing past second base initially. Once again, the Ephs were the first to score, but their lead was short-lived. With Cosgrove and Timmons on base, Diaz delivered a triple RBI with a home run along the right field line. Although the Cardinals held the lead for three more innings, Williams tied the game in the seventh inning. With just half an inning remaining, Williams scored on a passed ball, sweeping the series. Cole Perkin '28 took the mound loss, pitching two innings and allowing only one run, whereas Marsden pitched six innings, conceding three runs while striking out five.
As the Cardinals prepare for their regular-season finale against Hartford on Tuesday, April 29, this series highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and composure under pressure. Evan Diaz's stellar performance serves as a testament to the potential within Wesleyan's lineup and offers hope for future encounters. This doubleheader not only tested the athletes' skills but also reinforced the value of perseverance and teamwork in competitive sports.