On Friday, April 18, the Case Western Reserve University baseball team began their four-game series against New York University with a doubleheader. Following the exciting weekend, the Spartans improved 22-11-1 overall and remain first in UAA standing with a record of 11-4-1.
Friday’s doubleheader was a difficult start to the series with the Spartans seeing a 9-13 loss and a thrilling 19-19 tie against the Violets. The afternoon game began with an intense back and forth between the two teams with the Violets eventually pulling ahead in the sixth inning.
After the game one loss to NYU, the Spartans looked to tie the doubleheader and stepped onto the field with renewed energy. The second game of the day was a high-scoring affair, beginning with the Violets notching 2 home runs for a total of 4 runs to start scoring in the second inning. The Spartans followed with runs of their own to gain a 1-point lead over the Violets. CWRU continued to extend the lead during the bottom of the third inning after graduate student catcher Jack Anderson hit a 2-run double to center field and returned home on a balk, bringing the score to 8-5. Following a scoreless fourth inning and a single-run fifth inning for both teams, CWRU continued to add more runs to the board. Fourth-year left fielder Logan Andreyko drove in graduate students second baseman Franco Alonso and first baseman Dane Camphausen on a 2-RBI single. Graduate student third baseman Zack Carinci and second-year shortstop Nate Arterburn followed with RBI singles. Fourth-year center-fielder Nick Harms rounded out the Spartans’ sixth inning scoring with 2-RBI single, giving CWRU a 15-6 lead.
However, the Spartans were unable to maintain their 9-run lead and the Violets soon followed with a 6-run inning of their own during the top of the seventh. The following innings were difficult for the Spartans as NYU closed the gap and eventually accumulated in fielding errors, resulting in 3 unearned runs for the Violets giving them a 19-17 lead. During the bottom of the ninth inning with 2 outs and CWRU down 17-19, all the pressure was on Camphausen as he stepped onto the plate. Undeterred, Camphausen successfully delivered the crucial double to bring third-year pinch runner Jasiah Harris and Carcini back to home plate and tie the score. The game eventually concluded after the ninth inning when the umpires called a tie due to darkness.
The following day, the Spartans had a chance for redemption and successfully bounced back after the doubleheader. They won 17-1 and ended the game early by mercy rule after seven innings.
In the circle, second-year left handed pitcher Quinn Saunders and first-year right hand pitcher Ayush Shetty held the Violets to 3 hits and a single run across the seven innings.
“Saturday was a big test for us,” Anderson said. “After Friday, we knew we couldn’t afford another slip-up if we wanted to stay in control of the UAA. But this group handles pressure well—we didn’t overreact. Our pitchers stayed confident despite what happened the day before, and they kept attacking hitters with the same approach. That mental toughness made a big difference.”
On Sunday, the Spartans held their Senior Day festivities celebrating graduating teammates: Alonso, Andreyko, Camphausen, Harms, fourth-year pitchers Jackson Brewer and Kyle Gearding and fourth-year right fielder Jay Smith. Anderson shared his experience with the graduating class.
“I’ve been fortunate to share a lot of memories with this senior class, from UAA championships to NCAA regionals, but what really stands out is their development and leadership,” Anderson said. “Guys like [Harms], [Smith], and [Andreyko] have adapted to constant position shifts in the outfield and still found ways to contribute both defensively and at the plate. On the mound, [Brewer] and [Gearding] have taken on multiple pitching roles but have also emerged as vocal leaders for our young bullpen. Beyond the seniors, players like [Carinci], [Camphausen], and [Alonso] have been foundational to our success. [Carinci] (who I’ve played with for 5 years now) has battled through a shoulder injury and is fundamental to our success as a consistent hitter/pitcher and a vacuum at third base. [Alonso’s] been a steady presence in the middle infield and an on-base machine (while also working his way toward becoming a doctor). And [Camphausen], even while dealing with injury, has continued to deliver as a consistent power bat. Each of them has brought something unique and essential to this team.”
The Spartans began the game with a 3-run homer from Camphausen at the bottom of the first to give them an early advantage. They continued to pull away from the Violets during the bottom of the fourth inning after Andreyko and Anderson both hit 2-RBI singles. The rest of the game, the Violets would try to close the gap, but ultimately CWRU won 7-3. The victory against NYU extends CWRU streak to 10 consecutive UAA series wins which began in 2023.
Across the weekend, Camphausen recorded 4 home runs, increasing his career total to 55. He currently holds the second highest record of active DIII players.
This coming weekend, the Spartans will be traveling to Waltham, Massachusetts for their final UAA series against Brandeis University. They will host their final two home games this season against Baldwin Wallace University on April 29 and John Carroll University on May 4 at Nobby’s Ballpark before NCAA DIII Regionals, which take place from May 16-18.