The Saint Elizabeth University Baseball team opened its season this weekend to a 1-1 split against local rivals FDU-Florham and Drew University. The Eagles won a thrilling 7-6 contest to defeat Drew University on Friday. On Saturday, the Eagles dropped a 19-1 decision against FDU-Florham. The weekend displayed a promising collection of returning and incoming talent for new head baseball coach Dan Furbeck.


Friday's game against Drew University saw the Eagles jump out to a 7-3 lead in the 5th inning. Drew would battle back but Saint Elizabeth closed the door with excellent pitching in the 9th inning. CF Nazir Gibbs-Diggs went 3 for 6 with 2 RBIs and stole 2 bases. 2B Briants Rodriguez drew 2 walks, recorded 2 RBIs, and scored a run in 3 at-bats. DH Will Wentz also drew 2 walks, scored a run, and got a hit in 3 at-bats. RF Mason Barrios went 2 for 4, drew a walk, and scored a run. SS Ryan Deal was successful in the running game stealing 3 bases. Starting pitcher Brady Parks secured his first victory of the season allowing only 2 earned runs in 5 innings pitched. Bryan Rivera recorded 2 strikeouts in 1 inning pitching in relief. Felix Ayon recorded the save striking out a batter and forcing two fly-outs.


Saturday's game saw the Eagles cool off offensively against the FDU-Florham Devils. CF Nazir Gibbs-Diggs went 1 for 2 and also drew a walk. 2B Briants Rodriguez scored the lone run for the Eagles on an RBI ground-out by RF Mehki Hinds. Starting pitcher Nic DiSciacio suffered the loss in 4 innings despite punching out 5 batters. Trevor Policastro struck out 2 batters in 1 inning of relief.


The Eagles will play their next contest on Wednesday February 28 against the College of Mount Saint Vincent. This will be the first home game of the season for Saint Elizabeth and will be held at Snyder Avenue Park in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Game time is scheduled for 2pm.