WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College baseball team (32-13) fell by an 11-0 score to 11th ranked Bridgewater College (34-14) in an Elimination Game of the 2026 NCAA Division III Regionals Saturday afternoon at Ross Memorial Park.
Zac Stern (Coraopolis, Pa./Montour) finished with a pair of hits including a double to pace the Presidents offensively in the loss.
Ben Schuler (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette) and
Ethan Septak (Harrison City, Pa./Penn Trafford) recorded a hit each in their lone at bats off of the bench.
Just like Friday's game, the Presidents were forced to play behind from the opening inning. Bridgewater put the pressure on with back-to-back two-strike hits to open the frame. A pair of productive RBI ground outs allowed the Eagles to push two runs across.
Zack Caldwell did major damage to lift the Eagles to the victory. Caldwell finished with six RBI and a pair of extra base hits. In the third inning, Bridgewater extended its lead to 4-0 on a two-run no doubt home run by over the right field fence.
The Presidents had a chance to cut into the deficit. W&J loaded the bases in the top of the fourth inning with hits by
Andrew Miko (Portage, Pa./Portage) and Stern. However, the Eagles escaped unscathed by recording the third out.
Bridgewater opened things up with a bases clearing double with two outs by Caldwell in the fourth inning. The clutch opposite field knock made it 7-0 Eagles.
W&J had back-to-back singles in the top of the fifth inning. However, the Presidents were turned away again as a double play and strikeout ended the threat.
Bridgewater tacked on a run in the sixth inning and a pair of runs in the eighth inning as they stayed alive in the regional.
Chase Perry (Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease) started on the mound and took the loss. The senior gave up seven earned runs in 3.2 innings. Perry struck out six and walked none.
Bobby Budacki (New Brighton, Pa./New Brighton Area),
Anthony Pass (Clinton, Pa./West Allegheny),
Thomas McLaren (Mars, Pa./Mars Area) and
Nate Nolan (McDonald, Pa./West Allegheny) all appeared in relief for the Presidents.
W&J won its 17th conference championship last weekend. The Presidents were making their 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The 0-2 showing ends the Presidents' remarkable streak of nine straight regional appearances with at least one win. The W&J senior class finished with a 126-55 overall record with three PAC titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
"It's been one of the more enjoyable groups I've ever coached," Mountain said. "Last year was obviously not the outcome we're accustomed to here. Sometimes you must take a step backwards to take a step forward. I think to some extent that happened this year. I think these guys did a great job of leading the group. These guys set the tone for the season."
