AMHERST, MA. – Facing 31 total runs over the course of the Saturday doubleheader, the Wesleyan baseball team suffered two NESCAC losses to Amherst College, falling 20-2 in game one before nearly pulling off a win in an 11-10 loss in game two to close out the weekend series from Memorial Field.

Trending from Friday evening's matchup in Middletown, the Mammoths (14-12 overall, 6-2 NESCAC) caught an early break and took a two-run lead to open the scoring in the opening inning. Evan Diaz '25 cut the scoring at the top of the second, stealing second base after being walked on the reach. Connor Sullivan '26 hit a drive to right center, giving Diaz room to score.

The Mammoths answered Diaz's attempt to ignite the Cardinals (9-19 overall, 2-7 NESCAC) with five runs in the bottom of the inning and five additional runs in the third, forcing three pitching changes. The Mammoths were not finished. What transpired in the fourth inning concluded at eight runs, bringing the deficit to 20-1.

Opening the fifth, Luke LaSaracina '25 walked and in turn scored on a throw as James Marsden '26 was caught stealing second base.

Game two proved to be contentious as the final score was decided in extra innings after the Mammoths tied the game up at 10 in the ninth inning. Ernie Little '26 spearheaded the offensive efforts on the Cardinals' side, scoring three runs to help the Cardinals to their first lead of the series. Little started the game with a bunt to the pitcher, reaching second with Jack Carpenter '25 putting a ball down the left side. Little scored after a fielding error gave way for a path to home plate. Carpenter gave a two-run lead on Diaz's sacrifice fly.

While the Mammoths cut the scoring, the effort was short lived. With Carpenter and Tyler Cosgrove '25 on first and second, Jonah Timmons '27 nailed a home run out and over center field. Diaz doubled down the line before Sullivan homered to right field.

Little's second meeting with home plate at the top of the third was a result of a home run drive over left center field, bringing the lead to 8-1. A home run came for Jake Acker '27 in the fifth inning, the sophomore putting the pitch out to left field before the Mammoths returned four runs to bring the score to 9-6.

A final run for Little began on a walk to reach base, scoring two batters later as Cosgrove singled down the right side. Catching the Cardinals in the ninth with a 10^th run, the Mammoths forced an extra inning that proved fruitful, winning by just one run.

David Tirrell '25 pitched six innings and struck out five batters but allowed nine earned runs. Marsden takes the loss, pitching just over two innings, striking out three with one earned run.

The Cardinals return home on Wednesday, April 23, for a non-conference matchup with WestConn at 4 p.m.