McCausland sets strikeout record as Saint Joseph's eliminates UMass

Ryan Cesarini had three hits in the win. | PHOTO: Saint Joseph's Athletics

A six-run fourth inning propelled the Saint Joseph's to a 12-2 victory over UMass in an elimination game of the 2024 Atlantic 10 Baseball Championship at Capital One Park on Wednesday night. 

 

Will McCausland delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, pitching into the seventh inning while allowing two runs on seven hits and striking out eight. 

 

McCausland recorded his 91st strikeout of the season in the win, setting a new single-season program record and surpassing the previous mark of 90, held by SJU Baseball Hall of Famers Jamie Moyer (1984) and Kyle Mullen (2012). 

 

Saint Joseph's (27-25) grabbed an early lead with a solo home run to right center by Ryan Cesarini in the top of the first inning. Cesarini and Ryan Weingartner each collected three hits, with Weingartner driving in three runs. 

 

All nine batters in the starting lineup both reached base safely and crossed the plate for the Hawks in the contest. 

 

The Hawks will face top-seeded Saint Louis in another elimination game at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at Capital One Park. The winner will advance to play again at 7:00 p.m. for a spot in the semifinals on Friday.