DAVENPORT, Fla. – The Washington & Jefferson College baseball team dropped their first game of their 2025 spring break trip against No. 17 ranked Rowan, 14-1 (7 inn.).
The Presidents slide to a 6-3 record on the season thus far as Rowan elevates to 5-1 on the season.
The slower offensive day saw just five W&J hits by
Jacob LaDuca (Clarence, N.Y./Canisius),
Drew Garth (Glenshaw, Pa./North Hills),
Paddy Hernjak (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley),
Knox Meier (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep) and
Ben Schuler (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette).
W&J struck first in the top first with their most productive inning of the outing, scoring one run. LaDuca continued to produce at the plate with a leadoff single to shallow center field. Garth followed the first hit of the game with an double to left center which advance LaDuca to third. A fielder's choice decision off the bat of
Zac Stern (Coraopolis, Pa./Montour) scored LaDuca from third for the first run of the game, 1-0.
W&J remained shutout out for the remainder of the game as Rowan quickly responded with a home run in the bottom of the first inning to take the lead, 2-1.
Ecapsing the next two innings unscathed, Rowan found the scoreboard again, adding three more runs in the bottom of the third. Down 6-1, the Profs added five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, 11-1.
Having secured the rights to a 10-run mercy rule victory with a maintained lead through the seventh inning, the Profs added additional insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth to hit the final score of 14-1.
Nate Nolan (McDonald, Pa./West Allegheny) got the start and picked up for the loss with a 1-1 record on the season.
The Presidents complete their 2025 Spring Break trip and competition in the annual RussMatt Invitational with a matchup with Saint Joseph (Conn.). Opening pitch is scheduled for a 9:30 a.m. start time with a JV contest to follow in Winter Haven, Fla.
