Eastern Michigan Athletics
Saturday, March 1
Clinton, S.C.
12 p.m.
Eastern Michigan University
3-5
2
at
5
Presbyterian
5-5
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4
5
6
7
R
H
E
Eastern Michigan
2
0
0
0
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4
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Presbyterian
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X
5
7
2
Baseball Splits Doubleheader with Presbyterian
3/1/2025 5:20:00 PM | Baseball
EMU held PC to just 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position across both games
CLINTON, S.C. (EMUEagles.com) -- The Eastern Michigan University baseball team split its seven-inning doubleheader against Presbyterian College, dropping the first game, 5-2, before bouncing back with a 5-3 victory in the second contest at the PC Baseball Complex, Saturday, March 1.
In game one, senior Tyler Kapa (Waterford, Mich./Kettering/Alma/Mott C.C./Davenport) delivered a strong performance on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings, but a late surge by the Blue Hose proved too much for the Eagles to overcome. EMU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue, but Presbyterian responded with two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth, highlighted by a two-run home run from Evan Cuero. The Eagles struggled offensively after the first inning, mustering just four hits in the loss.
Game two saw Eastern Michigan put together a more balanced effort, with contributions from all nine starters. After trailing 2-0 entering the fifth, the Eagles broke through with a five-run fifth inning, fueled by key hits from Connor Walsh (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan), John Hale (Ashland City, Tenn./Sycamore/Motlow State C.C.), and Harrison Travis (Soddy Daisy, Tenn./Soddy Daisy/Carson-Newman). The bullpen played a crucial role in sealing the win, as junior Nick Keane (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin/Frederick C.C.) tossed 2.2 hitless innings in relief to secure his first save of the season. Defensively, EMU held Presbyterian to just one hit with runners in scoring position, stranding nine Blue Hose baserunners in a strong all-around performance.
GAME 1 | Presbyterian 5, Eastern Michigan 2
Kapa punched out nine Presbyterian hitters over six innings of work, but it was not enough as the Eastern Michigan Eagles fell to the Blue Hose, 5-2, in the first leg of the twin bill.
In addition to his nine strikeouts, Kapa (0-1) went six innings, giving up five runs, on seven hits and walking two for Eastern Michigan (3-5).
How It Happened
EMU struck first in the top of the opening frame, capitalizing on a defensive miscue by Presbyterian. After a one-out single from junior Devan Zirwas ((Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny/VCU), followed by a walk to Bruce Jellison (Hartland, Mich./Hartland/Wabash Valley), left fielder Giano Zuccaro (Middleburg Heights, Ohio/Berea Midpark/Charleston) drove in both runners on a fielder's choice and an errant throw by the first baseman, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead.
Kapa took the mound for the Eagles and was dominant early, limiting Presbyterian to just two baserunners through the first four innings. The right-hander showcased his strikeout ability, recording nine punchouts in six innings of work. However, the Blue Hose broke through in the fifth inning. With one out, Presbyterian's Nick Smith drew a walk, and Trey Fenderson followed with a single up the middle. Eli Lazio then delivered an RBI infield single, scoring Smith to cut the deficit to 2-1. On the same play, an errant throw allowed Fenderson to score from second, tying the game at 2-2.
Presbyterian continued its offensive surge in the sixth inning. After a leadoff double from Amman Dewberry, designated hitter Cam Mallo drove him in with an RBI infield single. Following a fielder's choice, junior Evan Cuero stepped up and launched a two-run home run to center field, putting the Blue Hose ahead 5-2.
Offensively, EMU struggled to regain momentum after its two-run first inning. Despite a solid performance from Zirwas, who went 2-for-3, the Eagles were unable to produce additional runs against Presbyterian's bullpen. Tristan McGregor (4.0 IP, 2 R, 5 K) kept the Eagles in check early, while Yechiel Saint (2.0 IP, 0 R) and Jacob Fields (1.0 IP, 0 R) shut the door to secure the win.
GAME 2 | Eastern Michigan 5, Presbyterian 3
Eastern Michigan received contributions from every part of their lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Eagles put five runs on the board to beat the Blue Hose, 5-3.
Keane got the save out of the bullpen for Eastern Michigan (4-5). The right-hander went 2.2 shutout innings without giving up a hit, while allowing three walks and striking out two.
At the plate, the Eagles were led by Walsh, who went 2-for-3 on the day with one double, one walk and one RBI. Hale put together a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI. Travis also contributed for Eastern Michigan, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding one walk and one RBI.
How It Happened
Presbyterian struck first in the bottom of the first inning. After reaching base on an error, Andrew Albertus stole second and third before scoring on a groundout by Evan Cuervo, giving the Blue Hose an early 1-0 lead.
EMU had trouble generating offense early against Presbyterian's starting pitcher, freshman Michael Marroquin Jr., who tossed four scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out five. However, the Eagles broke through in the fifth inning against the Blue Hose bullpen, exploding for five runs on four hits and two walks.
The inning started with Walsh singling through the right side, followed by a walk to shortstop Cooper Vance (New Waterford, Ohio/Mohawk). Both runners advanced on a balk before Hale delivered an RBI single to right field, scoring Walsh to tie the game at 1-1. Senior Logan Hugo (Essexville, Mich./Essexville Garber) then lifted a sacrifice fly to put EMU ahead 2-1. The rally continued as Zuccaro and Travis delivered back-to-back RBI singles, and Walsh capped the inning with a bases-loaded walk to drive in the fifth run.
Presbyterian responded with one run in the bottom of the fifth, as Ryan Becker grounded out to shortstop, bringing home Fenderson to cut the deficit to 5-3. However, EMU's bullpen held firm, with Keane coming on in relief to shut down the Blue Hose over the final 2.2 innings. Keane (1-1) earned the win, allowing no hits while striking out two and walking three.
Defensively, the Eagles played a solid game, committing just one error while limiting Presbyterian to a 1-for-10 (.100) performance with runners in scoring position. The Blue Hose struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving nine runners on base.
Offensively, Walsh led the Eagles with a 2-for-3 performance, including one double, one walk, and one RBI. Hale also contributed with a 2-for-4 effort, driving in one run and swiping two bases. Travis finished 1-for-3 with one walk and one RBI.
Game Notes
» Tyler Kapa held Presbyterian scoreless through four innings in Game 1, allowing only two baserunners before running into trouble in the fifth.
» EMU's relievers combined for 3.0 shutout innings in Game 2, with Nick Keane closing it out with 2.2 hitless frames.
» EMU held Presbyterian to just 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position across both games.
» EMU's pitching staff recorded 15 total strikeouts between both games (9 in Game 1, 6 in Game 2).
» EMU allowed only two extra-base hits in Game 2 (one double and one homer in Game 1).
» The Eagles managed just two first-inning runs across both games and were shut out for the first four innings of Game 2.
» All nine EMU starters reached base safely in Game 2, contributing to the five-run fifth inning that flipped the game in their favor.
» Connor Walsh led the way in Game 2, going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and a walk.
» John Hale provided two hits, an RBI, and two stolen bases, setting the tone at the top of the order.
» Giano Zuccaro and Harrison Travis each added RBI singles in the crucial fifth inning.
» EMU stole three bases in Game 2, with Hale swiping two and Albertus stealing twice for Presbyterian.
» The Eagles drew seven walks in Game 2, forcing Presbyterian's bullpen into tough situations.
» Eastern as a team drew seven walks in the second game, marking a season-high and surpassing two occasions (Feb. 16 ,against Pittsburgh and Feb. 23, at Central Arkansas) where they drew six walks.
» Michael Pfeiffer (Brownsboro, Ala./Huntsville/Northwest-Shoals C.C.) made his first career start for EMU in just his second appearance. The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) and struck out four batters in four innings of work.
» EMU's bullpen was dominant, pitching three innings of shutout baseball, striking out two, allowing no hits and walking four batters.
Historical Notes
» Game two marked the fifth all-time meeting between Eastern Michigan and Presbyterian. Eastern Michigan has the lead in the series, 4-1.
Up Next
Eastern Michigan and Presbyterian wrap up the series tomorrow, March 2. First pitch is scheduled for noon ET on ESPN+.
Follow Us
For all things EMU Baseball, be sure to check out the team's social media accounts, including EMU_Baseball on X (formerly Twitter) and emu_baseball on Instagram.
In game one, senior Tyler Kapa (Waterford, Mich./Kettering/Alma/Mott C.C./Davenport) delivered a strong performance on the mound, striking out nine batters over six innings, but a late surge by the Blue Hose proved too much for the Eagles to overcome. EMU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue, but Presbyterian responded with two runs in the fifth and three more in the sixth, highlighted by a two-run home run from Evan Cuero. The Eagles struggled offensively after the first inning, mustering just four hits in the loss.
Game two saw Eastern Michigan put together a more balanced effort, with contributions from all nine starters. After trailing 2-0 entering the fifth, the Eagles broke through with a five-run fifth inning, fueled by key hits from Connor Walsh (Mattawan, Mich./Mattawan), John Hale (Ashland City, Tenn./Sycamore/Motlow State C.C.), and Harrison Travis (Soddy Daisy, Tenn./Soddy Daisy/Carson-Newman). The bullpen played a crucial role in sealing the win, as junior Nick Keane (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin/Frederick C.C.) tossed 2.2 hitless innings in relief to secure his first save of the season. Defensively, EMU held Presbyterian to just one hit with runners in scoring position, stranding nine Blue Hose baserunners in a strong all-around performance.
GAME 1 | Presbyterian 5, Eastern Michigan 2
Kapa punched out nine Presbyterian hitters over six innings of work, but it was not enough as the Eastern Michigan Eagles fell to the Blue Hose, 5-2, in the first leg of the twin bill.
In addition to his nine strikeouts, Kapa (0-1) went six innings, giving up five runs, on seven hits and walking two for Eastern Michigan (3-5).
How It Happened
EMU struck first in the top of the opening frame, capitalizing on a defensive miscue by Presbyterian. After a one-out single from junior Devan Zirwas ((Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny/VCU), followed by a walk to Bruce Jellison (Hartland, Mich./Hartland/Wabash Valley), left fielder Giano Zuccaro (Middleburg Heights, Ohio/Berea Midpark/Charleston) drove in both runners on a fielder's choice and an errant throw by the first baseman, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead.
Kapa took the mound for the Eagles and was dominant early, limiting Presbyterian to just two baserunners through the first four innings. The right-hander showcased his strikeout ability, recording nine punchouts in six innings of work. However, the Blue Hose broke through in the fifth inning. With one out, Presbyterian's Nick Smith drew a walk, and Trey Fenderson followed with a single up the middle. Eli Lazio then delivered an RBI infield single, scoring Smith to cut the deficit to 2-1. On the same play, an errant throw allowed Fenderson to score from second, tying the game at 2-2.
Presbyterian continued its offensive surge in the sixth inning. After a leadoff double from Amman Dewberry, designated hitter Cam Mallo drove him in with an RBI infield single. Following a fielder's choice, junior Evan Cuero stepped up and launched a two-run home run to center field, putting the Blue Hose ahead 5-2.
Offensively, EMU struggled to regain momentum after its two-run first inning. Despite a solid performance from Zirwas, who went 2-for-3, the Eagles were unable to produce additional runs against Presbyterian's bullpen. Tristan McGregor (4.0 IP, 2 R, 5 K) kept the Eagles in check early, while Yechiel Saint (2.0 IP, 0 R) and Jacob Fields (1.0 IP, 0 R) shut the door to secure the win.
GAME 2 | Eastern Michigan 5, Presbyterian 3
Eastern Michigan received contributions from every part of their lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Eagles put five runs on the board to beat the Blue Hose, 5-3.
Keane got the save out of the bullpen for Eastern Michigan (4-5). The right-hander went 2.2 shutout innings without giving up a hit, while allowing three walks and striking out two.
At the plate, the Eagles were led by Walsh, who went 2-for-3 on the day with one double, one walk and one RBI. Hale put together a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI. Travis also contributed for Eastern Michigan, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding one walk and one RBI.
How It Happened
Presbyterian struck first in the bottom of the first inning. After reaching base on an error, Andrew Albertus stole second and third before scoring on a groundout by Evan Cuervo, giving the Blue Hose an early 1-0 lead.
EMU had trouble generating offense early against Presbyterian's starting pitcher, freshman Michael Marroquin Jr., who tossed four scoreless innings while allowing just three hits and striking out five. However, the Eagles broke through in the fifth inning against the Blue Hose bullpen, exploding for five runs on four hits and two walks.
The inning started with Walsh singling through the right side, followed by a walk to shortstop Cooper Vance (New Waterford, Ohio/Mohawk). Both runners advanced on a balk before Hale delivered an RBI single to right field, scoring Walsh to tie the game at 1-1. Senior Logan Hugo (Essexville, Mich./Essexville Garber) then lifted a sacrifice fly to put EMU ahead 2-1. The rally continued as Zuccaro and Travis delivered back-to-back RBI singles, and Walsh capped the inning with a bases-loaded walk to drive in the fifth run.
Presbyterian responded with one run in the bottom of the fifth, as Ryan Becker grounded out to shortstop, bringing home Fenderson to cut the deficit to 5-3. However, EMU's bullpen held firm, with Keane coming on in relief to shut down the Blue Hose over the final 2.2 innings. Keane (1-1) earned the win, allowing no hits while striking out two and walking three.
Defensively, the Eagles played a solid game, committing just one error while limiting Presbyterian to a 1-for-10 (.100) performance with runners in scoring position. The Blue Hose struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving nine runners on base.
Offensively, Walsh led the Eagles with a 2-for-3 performance, including one double, one walk, and one RBI. Hale also contributed with a 2-for-4 effort, driving in one run and swiping two bases. Travis finished 1-for-3 with one walk and one RBI.
Game Notes
» Tyler Kapa held Presbyterian scoreless through four innings in Game 1, allowing only two baserunners before running into trouble in the fifth.
» EMU's relievers combined for 3.0 shutout innings in Game 2, with Nick Keane closing it out with 2.2 hitless frames.
» EMU held Presbyterian to just 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position across both games.
» EMU's pitching staff recorded 15 total strikeouts between both games (9 in Game 1, 6 in Game 2).
» EMU allowed only two extra-base hits in Game 2 (one double and one homer in Game 1).
» The Eagles managed just two first-inning runs across both games and were shut out for the first four innings of Game 2.
» All nine EMU starters reached base safely in Game 2, contributing to the five-run fifth inning that flipped the game in their favor.
» Connor Walsh led the way in Game 2, going 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and a walk.
» John Hale provided two hits, an RBI, and two stolen bases, setting the tone at the top of the order.
» Giano Zuccaro and Harrison Travis each added RBI singles in the crucial fifth inning.
» EMU stole three bases in Game 2, with Hale swiping two and Albertus stealing twice for Presbyterian.
» The Eagles drew seven walks in Game 2, forcing Presbyterian's bullpen into tough situations.
» Eastern as a team drew seven walks in the second game, marking a season-high and surpassing two occasions (Feb. 16 ,against Pittsburgh and Feb. 23, at Central Arkansas) where they drew six walks.
» Michael Pfeiffer (Brownsboro, Ala./Huntsville/Northwest-Shoals C.C.) made his first career start for EMU in just his second appearance. The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) and struck out four batters in four innings of work.
» EMU's bullpen was dominant, pitching three innings of shutout baseball, striking out two, allowing no hits and walking four batters.
Historical Notes
» Game two marked the fifth all-time meeting between Eastern Michigan and Presbyterian. Eastern Michigan has the lead in the series, 4-1.
Up Next
Eastern Michigan and Presbyterian wrap up the series tomorrow, March 2. First pitch is scheduled for noon ET on ESPN+.
Follow Us
For all things EMU Baseball, be sure to check out the team's social media accounts, including EMU_Baseball on X (formerly Twitter) and emu_baseball on Instagram.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Yechiel Saint (1-0)
L: Kapa, Tyler (0-1)
S: Jacob Fields (2)
Batting:
RBI: Zuccaro, Giano 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Kleiman, Brendan 1 ; Zirwas, Devan 1
SB: Zuccaro, Giano 1
Batting:
2B: Trey Fenderson 1 ; Amman Dewberry 1
HR: Evan Cuervo 1
RBI: Eli Lazio 1 ; Cam Mallo 1 ; Evan Cuervo 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Trey Fenderson 1 ; Amman Dewberry 1 ; Jackson Hugus 1 ; Evan Cuervo 1 ; Nick Smith 1
CS: Eli Lazio 1
HBP: Connor Bradley 1
Game Leaders
Hitting
AB
3
R
1
H
2
RBI
0
AB
3
R
0
H
2
RBI
0
AB
0
R
0
H
0
RBI
0
Players Mentioned
OF
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
OF/RHP
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
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/ BaseballINF
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INF
/ BaseballINF
/ Baseball
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