Ephs Unleash 18 Hit Attack to Down Bard 16-5

Annandale-on-Hudson, NY – The Williams Ephs secured a commanding 16-5 victory over the Bard Raptors, fueled by an explosive first inning and consistent offensive production throughout the game.

The Ephs wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Senior Henry Juan set the tone early, launching a three-run homer to left field, bringing home Ben Swank and Marcus Burrell II. The offensive onslaught continued as Ryan Nakajima and Luca Lopetrone recorded back-to-back singles, with Lopetrone scoring on a throwing error. Dave Mosrie capped off the five-run inning with an RBI single to left field.

Bard responded in the bottom of the first. The Raptor's Xavier Webb doubled down the left field line, advancing to third on a wild pitch. Andrew Plenn's RBI single and Gavin Gonzalez's triple quickly cut the lead to 5-2. Another wild pitch allowed Gonzalez to score, tightening the game to 5-3 after one inning.

Williams didn't let up in the second inning. Juan doubled and later scored on a James O'Connor RBI single. The Ephs strung together more runs with clutch hits from Lopetrone, Hank Jacobus, and Mosrie, pushing the lead to 10-3. The scoring continued in the third, as Lopetrone's bases-clearing triple extended the margin to 14-3. Bard attempted to rally, scoring two runs off back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the third, but Williams remained in control.

The Ephs added insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings, including an RBI single by first-year Oliver Rey. Williams' pitching settled in after early struggles, holding Bard scoreless for the final four innings. The Raptors managed only five total runs on eight hits, unable to match Williams' offensive firepower.

On the mound, the Ephs had a solid day, keeping any Bard comeback at bay, combining for eight strikeouts, with senior Max Hart leading the way with five on the day. Sophomore Jake Jeffries and junior Issey Gestel also had solid days, not allowing any runs in the back half of the game. Hart earned the win, his first of the season. Bard starter Tom Maxwell took the loss.

Head Coach Bill Barrale was happy with his team's performance, saying "it was great to come back and get a win" and adding that "the bats came alive!" He described the win as "a total team effort."

Williams hits the road this weekend for their first NESCAC West series at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. Friday's game will be played at 4pm, with a doubleheader to follow on Saturday beginning at noon.