WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College baseball team (32-12) dropped an 8-1 verdict to the University of Chicago (28-13) in Friday's action in the 2026 NCAA Regionals at Ross Memorial Park.
Luke Alvarez (Elizabeth, Pa./Elizabeth Forward) and
Jack Anderson (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum) led the offense by reaching base twice apiece.
W&J, playing as the visiting team, struck first with a run in the top of the first inning. Following two quick outs, Alvarez drew a walk on a 3-2 pitch. A batter later,
Andrew Miko (Portage, Pa./Portage) reached on an error to extend the inning. With two on and two out, Anderson delivered an RBI single back up the middle on an 0-2 pitch. The Anderson hit gave W&J an early 1-0 lead.
Chicago responded quickly in the bottom half. The Maroons had five-straight batters reach base to open the frame. When the damage was done, Chicago scored five runs on five hits to take early control. The Maroons tacked on two more runs with a one-out double by Nathan Bae in the bottom of the second inning, which extended the lead to 7-1.
W&J put runners into scoring position in the third, fourth and sixth innings. However, the Presidents could not scratch across in any of those innings.
Chicago slugged a solo home run to stretch its lead to 8-1 after six innings. The Maroons scored eight runs or more for the 12th consecutive game. Chicago finished with 11 hits which included five-straight extra base hits.
Brendan Cruz (Carnegie, Pa./Chartiers Valley) was saddled with his first loss of the season, as his record fell to 10-1 in 2026. Cruz gave up seven runs on nine hits in five innings.
Justin Giarrusso (Pittsburgh, Pa./Plum) allowed one run in two innings out of the bullpen.
Max Stanger (Buffalo, N.Y./St. Joseph Collegiate) pitched a scoreless eighth inning on the mound for the Presidents.
W&J is making its 12th appearance all time in the NCAA Tournament. Friday's game at Ross Memorial Park marked the first time W&J was playing on its home field in the NCAA Tournament since the 2017 season.
The Presidents will face Bridgewater College in an NCAA Elimination Game at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The win is the 17th straight for UChicago, who moves on to face Scranton at 2:30 p.m. in the winner's bracket final on Saturday. The Royals defeated the Eagles by a 7-2 score in the opening game of the day on Friday.
