Kean University Baseball: A Day of Highs and Lows
Union, N.J. (3/22/25) – The Kean University baseball team faced the United States Merchant Marine Academy in a thrilling matchup, splitting the doubleheader on Saturday.
Game One – Kean Wins 8, USMMA 5
Kean (16-3) started strong, scoring runs in the second and fifth innings. USMMA made a push in the sixth, but Kean’s offense exploded with six runs in their half, led by CJ Tomalavage’s three-run homer, marking his fifth long ball of the season.
Jason Gilman took the mound and showcased an impressive performance, improving to 6-0. He pitched eight innings, striking out 10 batters, walking three, and allowing just one run. Brett Hilsheimer also stood out, going 3-for-3, contributing two runs and an RBI, while both Kyle Adorno and Justin Teixeira added two hits each.
Game Two – USMMA Wins 8, Kean 6
The second game was a rollercoaster. Kean led 5-1 after three innings but USMMA fought back. Hilsheimer’s big double drove in two runs, but a bases-clearing double from Luke Kruer in the fourth shifted the momentum to the Mariners. Dan Reistle tried to hold the lead with a sac fly, but USMMA took control in the sixth, scoring three runs to cement their victory. Reistle finished the game strong with three hits, including a triple.
Looking at Recent Trends
This season, Kean’s performance has reflected a growing trend in college baseball. According to a recent NJCAA report, home runs have surged by over 15% in the last two seasons, making power hitters like Tomalavage critical to their teams. The increased number of home runs in college baseball suggests that training and technology are continually improving; players are lifting and driving the ball with more authority than ever before.
User Reactions
Fans took to social media after the games. Many praised Tomalavage’s impressive performance, while others expressed frustration about the team’s inability to maintain leads. Twitter was buzzing with reactions, with some calling for adjustments in future games to prevent late-game collapses.
What’s Next
Kean has a big challenge ahead. They will face reigning national champions Misericordia University on Tuesday. With rivalries heating up, each game is crucial as they approach the end of the season.
Check out this related article: Winona State Warriors Dazzle at NCGA National Championships: A Triumph for University Athletics!
Source link