Cornell Baseball Pulls Off Unconventional Doubleheader Sweep Against Brown
Victorious Weekend: Big Red's Ivy League Triumph
This past Saturday, the Cornell baseball team (9-8, 4-2 Ivy League) showcased resilience and determination at Booth Field, successfully claiming victory in both games of a doubleheader against the Brown Bears (4-16, 1-5 Ivy League). Fun fact: this marked Cornell's second consecutive series win in the Ivy League, with scores of 9-6 and 13-10. While their victories may not have been flawless, the Big Red proved that they can adapt and overcome anything thrown their way.
Game One: A Solid Start for the Big Red
Early Dominance and Key Players Shine
Cornell kicked off the doubleheader with a 9-6 win, marking a much-needed rebound after Friday's loss to the Bears. The Big Red jumped out to an impressive early lead of 5-0 in the second inning thanks to pivotal contributions from players like sophomore catcher Mark Quatrani, who went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, and five RBI. Senior left fielder John Quinlan also made his mark, walking three times, crossing home three times, and showcasing an impressive two stolen bases.
Cornell's pitching was led by sophomore Huxley Holcombe, who delivered clutch performances, allowing six runs over five innings before senior reliever Chris Ellison secured the save with a scoreless final inning.
Bears Fight Back, But Cornell Prevails
Despite a valiant fight from Brown, who notched four unanswered runs in the fifth and sixth innings, Cornell held firm to secure the win. The Bears managed to cut the lead to 7-6, but timely runs from the Big Red allowed them to extend their lead, sealing the game with strong defense and sharp pitching in the final frame.
Game Two: A Wild Finish Amid Fog and Darkness
An Unconventional Victory
When the nightcap commenced, the atmosphere at Booth Field shifted dramatically. Cornell initially soared to a 5-0 lead in the first inning, but Brown answered back ferociously, even taking a 9-8 lead by the top of the fifth. However, it was the dense fog and encroaching darkness that defined this game.
With Brown having scored an incredible 10 runs in the top of the eighth, the situation looked bleak. But in a bizarre twist of fate, the umpires were forced to halt the game due to conditions that rendered the field unplayable. NCAA rules dictated that they revert to the score at the end of the last completed inning. Thus, Cornell emerged with a 13-10 victory, much to the dismay of Brown's coaching staff and players.
Big Offensive Contributions
In the chaotic final game, Cornell recorded 12 hits and received standout performances from Quinlan, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, and junior Caden Wildman, showcasing his skills with a double and two RBI. Freshman Sam Keene took the mound for his first collegiate start, followed by Josh Shea, who earned his inaugural victory with a solid pitching performance that kept Brown at bay, allowing only one run over two innings.
Game Notes: Historical Context & Future Matches
This doubleheader marked the 140th and 141st meetings between Cornell and Brown, with the Big Red narrowing the all-time series to 74-65-2.
Cornell celebrated its first series win over Brown since the 2018 season, reinforcing a positive trend with the squad's performance in the Ivy League.
With this successful sweep, the Big Red continues to build momentum, looking to carry their winning spirit into their next matchup.
Looking Ahead: Next Challenges on the Horizon
Cornell will continue its journey on April 5, as they head to New York City for a critical three-game series against Columbia University (9-12, 4-1 Ivy League). This road trip will be crucial as the Big Red seeks its first season series win against the Lions since 2017. With the momentum of a doubleheader sweep fresh in their minds, Cornell is eager to prove their mettle on the diamond against Columbia.
As fans and players alike reflect on this exhilarating weekend of baseball, one thing is clear: the Big Red are proving to be not just competitors but forces to be reckoned with in the Ivy League this season. Stay tuned for more electrifying action ahead!
