WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (April 18, 2026) – The Nichols College baseball team dropped a 5-2 decision in game one before falling 7-6 in 14 innings in game two to the University of Hartford Saturday afternoon at Fiondella Field.
Nichols falls to 15-14 (6-6 CNE) on the season, while Hartford improves to 17-9-1 (10-2 CNE).
Game One: Hartford 5, Nichols 2
The Bison struck first in the opening inning, jumping out to a 2-0 lead. After
Jack Raymond worked a leadoff walk and
Anthony Hackert singled,
Ryan Keating delivered a two-run double down the right field line to give Nichols early momentum. Hartford responded in the bottom of the second, capitalizing on a pair of Nichols errors to plate three unearned runs and take a 3-2 lead.
Despite the early damage, starting pitcher
Clark Churchill settled in and kept the Bison within striking distance. The right-hander went the distance, allowing five runs (four earned) on 11 hits while striking out three over eight innings.
Nichols had opportunities to answer but was unable to break through against Hartford starter Anthony Bubba, who tossed a complete game. The Bison were limited to five hits on the afternoon and left six runners on base. Hartford added insurance in the sixth inning, using a pair of RBI hits to extend the lead to 5-2. Nichols was unable to mount a late rally, going quietly over the final three innings as Hartford secured the conference victory.
Offensively, Keating led Nichols with two hits and both RBIs, while Hackert also recorded a multi-hit performance.
Tyler Ladouceur added a hit and a walk.
Churchill's effort on the mound helped stabilize the game after the early deficit, but Nichols could not generate enough offense to complete a comeback.
Game Two: Hartford 7, Nichols 6
Nichols found its rhythm in the third inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues to take the lead. After reaching on errors,
Anthony Hackert delivered a two-run double before
Ryan Keating followed with an RBI single to give the Bison a 3-2 advantage.
Tyler Ladouceur singled to spark the rally, and
Charles MacElhiney came through with a two-run double down the left field line, extending the Nichols lead to 5-3. On the mound,
Aidan Whitten provided a strong start, allowing four runs (three earned) over 6.2 innings. The Bison added to their lead in the sixth inning.
After Hartford chipped away, Nichols added what looked to be an insurance run in the eighth inning when MacElhiney delivered again, this time with an RBI double to make it 6-4. Hartford mounted its comeback in the ninth inning, taking advantage of a Nichols error and a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 6-6 and force extra innings.
Both teams had opportunities in extras, but pitching and defense held firm until the 14th. In the bottom of the inning, Hartford loaded the bases and John Russell delivered a walk-off RBI single to secure the 7-6 victory.
Offensively, Nichols totaled 13 hits in the loss. Ladouceur led the way with three hits, while MacElhiney drove in a team-high three runs on two doubles. Hackert added two RBIs, and Keating contributed an RBI and a stolen base.
The Bison return to action next week Tuesday, when they face Johnson & Wales University on the road for a 4 PM first pitch.
