Bronx, NY – Fordham University’s baseball team secured a series victory over Cornell University on Saturday, defeating the Big Red 16-11 at Houlihan Park. A nine-run third inning propelled the Rams to a lead they would not relinquish, despite a late Cornell rally.
Cornell sophomore catcher Mason Barela led the Big Red offense, going 5-for-6 with five singles. Senior center fielder Caden Wildman contributed a 4-for-6 performance, including a double and two RBIs. Cornell’s top four hitters combined for 13 of the team’s 19 hits, batting .565 collectively.
For Fordham, Anthony Grabau, Tommy McAndrews, Joey Donnelly, and Tommy Markey each recorded multi-hit games. McAndrews and Markey drove in three runs apiece, with McAndrews hitting a two-run home run that capped the decisive third inning.
Cornell initially took a 1-0 lead in the third inning with an RBI double by Wildman, but Fordham responded with nine runs, capitalizing on four hits, two walks, two hit batters, and three defensive errors by the Big Red.
The Big Red attempted a comeback, scoring nine runs in the sixth inning, highlighted by a grand slam from senior first baseman TJ Swidorski. However, Fordham added an insurance run in the eighth, extending their lead to 15-11.
Cornell mounted a final threat in the ninth inning, loading the bases with two outs, but Fordham ended the game with a lineout.
Cornell senior right-handed pitcher Ethan Hamill lasted only two-plus innings, issuing four walks. Senior right-hander Josh Shea was unable to record an out, allowing two runs before being replaced by Ethan Van Sice and Noah Keller, who combined to allow 10 runs through the fifth inning. Freshman right-hander Michael Tight provided four innings of relief, allowing five hits without conceding an earned run.
Fordham’s Aidan Dowd held Cornell to two runs over four innings, while Alec Murray allowed eight runs on five hits before being relieved by Aric Berg, who secured the final two scoreless innings. Andrew Kapica earned the win for Fordham.
The series win brings Fordham’s record to 4-9. Cornell’s record falls to 1-9. Cornell’s all-time series record against Fordham now stands at 14-9.
Cornell will continue its season-opening road trip next weekend, facing Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 14, at 1 p.m. All three games will be streamed live on ESPN+.
