LEXINGTON, S.C. - The FDU Knights and Butler Bulldogs faced off for three games in two days, with Butler picking up victories in the doubleheader on Saturday and the Knights finishing the weekend strong with a 10-9 win. 
 

Saturday Game 1

In a tough match-up, FDU fell to Butler with a final score of 3-0. Despite putting up a good fight, the Knights were unable to overcome Butler's solid defense and pitching.

Justin Sierra, Luke Cantwell, and TJ Werner managed to pick up the only hits for the Knights, but unfortunately, they were unable to convert them into runs. It was a frustrating offensive day for the team, as they struggled to get anything going against Butler's pitching.

On the other hand, FDU's pitching was strong, with Rich Racobaldo leading the way by pitching five innings with an impressive 8 strikeouts. However, even with his solid performance, Racobaldo was unable to secure the win.

Jake Simon and Evan Stewart came in for relief, pitching three one-run innings and helping to keep FDU in the game. Despite their best efforts, FDU was unable to come back. 

Saturday Game 2

In a high-scoring affair, FDU suffered a 16-7 loss to Butler in the second game of a doubleheader.

There were a few bright spots for FDU, including Jeremy Cheeseman's impressive debut. Cheeseman made his mark early by hitting a home run in his very first career at-bat, and also drove in two runs during the game.

Unfortunately, FDU's starting pitcher, Jason Diaz, had a tough time in his debut outing. He struggled to find his rhythm and ended up giving up five runs and walking five without recording an out. This put FDU in an early hole that they were unable to climb out of.

Nicholas Feretic had a solid relief outing, going 5.2 innings and giving up three earned runs while striking out six Butler batters. However, FDU's bullpen faltered in the latter stages of the game, with Ian Barrett and Nick Mazzotta struggling and giving up six runs in the final 1.1 innings. 

Sunday

In a thrilling baseball game, FDU mounted a stunning comeback to beat Butler 10-9. The game started off on a poor note for FDU, as they quickly found themselves down 7-1 after the fourth inning.

Despite the early deficit, FDU rallied back behind an explosive offensive performance for a massive comeback. The comeback started in the fifth inning when George Rosales singled in a run and Tom Ruscitti drilled a two-run home run to cut the lead to 7-4. The home run for Ruscitti was his first of the season and the 36th of his career moving him tied for first place in program history for career home runs. 

Justin Sierra and Joan Sosa completed the comeback when Sierra drilled a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth inning and then Sosa singled home the eventual winning run in the top of the ninth.

But it was the performance of pitcher Jude Baxt that ultimately sealed the victory for FDU. Baxt entered the game in a high-pressure situation, a tied game in the eighth inning, tasked with keeping Butler's offense quiet. Baxt was up to the challenge, delivering two scoreless innings to close out the game and secure his first save of the season. 

Up Next

• The Knights will come home for a couple of days before they head back south to take on Queens University at Tuckaseegee Dream Fields in Charlotte, NC. The teams will battle it out in a three-game series starting on Friday the 24th and will finish up Sunday the 26th.