Fresh off a sweep of the Manhattan University Jaspers (7-11, 2-4 MAAC) to kick off MAAC baseball play, the Fairfield University Stags (11-4, 3-0 MAAC) return to Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field on March 19 at 3 p.m. for their long-awaited home opener, eager to keep the momentum rolling.
On March 14 the Stags opened up conference play in Teaneck, NJ when they defeated the Jaspers, thanks to a ninth inning slam from Matthew Bucciero. With one out and the game tied at two in the ninth, Bucciero came through for the Stags, launching an opposite-field solo shot to put Fairfield ahead 3-2. The Fairfield junior is coming off an excellent 2024 performance, achieving All-MAAC first-team as well as preseason All-MAAC team for this upcoming season.
The Fairfield ace, Ben Alekson (3-1) threw eight solid innings to capture his third victory of the year. The sophomore right-hander struck out six and gave up a mere two walks and two runs on four hits.
Alekson has established himself as a vital arm for Fairfield following an outstanding rookie campaign in 2024, during which he was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team. With a 6-1 record and a team leading 3.86 ERA, striking out 50 batters in 58.1 innings in his freshman year, he looks to continue this same dominance in his sophomore season.
In game one of the March 15 doubleheader, Fairfield edged out Manhattan in a thrilling 6-5 victory to clinch the series. The Stags took advantage of defensive errors by the Jaspers to take an early 3-0 lead in the third inning without registering a hit. Fairfield’s lead jumped to 6-0 in the sixth inning thanks to a Luke Nomura three-run homer. In the bottom of the sixth, Manhattan’s bats exploded for a five-run burst on six hits, including three doubles, cutting the deficit to one. Stags’ junior, Kyle Kell closed the door in the ninth to record his fourth save of the season, retiring the junior Manhattan four hitter, Aidan Taclas, for the final out.
In the second game of the doubleheader, Fairfield cruised to a 12–4 victory, extending their win streak to nine, and completing the sweep. In the second inning, the Stags put across six runs on four hits to jump out to an early 7-0 lead. The catalyst in the middle of the lineup, Nick Sturino, drove in four, reaching base four times to power the Stags offense. Kyle Lesler (1-0) earned the victory on the mound by giving up three runs in five innings before the Fairfield bullpen closed the door.
“No free 90s,” Fairfield head coach Bill Currier emphasized as the key to his team’s nine-game winning streak. He explained that “limiting walks and errors really gives us the best chance to win games.”
The lone spark from the Jaspers came from senior Andreaus Lewis, going 3-for-4 with a home run (2). Unfortunately, the pitching troubles proved to be too costly.
Manhattan starter, Joseph Duffield (2-3), lasted just one inning, allowing seven runs (six earned) on four hits and five walks. The sophomore’s poor control allowed Fairfield to break the game open early, taking advantage with timely hitting and the free passes.
On March 19, the Stags will take on St. John’s University (6-11, 0-0 Big East) at 3 pm, in their first game at the newly renamed Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field (formerly the Alumni Diamond).
“It’s great to put on the white jerseys again and to see dirt again after all these games on turf. Also, a big part of being home is the ability to practice on our own field. Being away we haven’t had the opportunity to take reps here at the stadium,” said Currier on finally coming home to play.
The Stags will officially kick off conference play in Fairfield on Friday March 21, when they host Siena University (3-13, 1-2 MAAC). Fairfield will try to establish home-field dominance early and set the tone for the rest of conference play with high expectations for this year’s MAAC campaign.