The Hobart College Statesmen saw their historic season come to a painful end Sunday afternoon, falling 4-3 in 12 innings to eighth-ranked Salisbury University in the NCAA Regional final at Williams Stadium. Hobart, which finished the season 32-15, carried a three-run lead into the seventh inning before the Sea Gulls rallied and delivered a walk-off single in the 12th to advance.
Hobart’s offense produced 14 hits and grabbed control in the fourth inning. Sophomore Jack Farnen and junior Cole Conte opened the frame with singles before sophomore Aidan Davenport moved both runners over with a sacrifice bunt. First-year Quinn Dashefsky followed with a two-run single down the left-field line to give the Statesmen a 2-0 advantage.
The lead grew to 3-0 in the seventh when first-year Jack O’Neil singled, stole second, and later scored on senior Will Jones’ sacrifice fly.
Senior Aaron Forgues kept Salisbury quiet through six innings, allowing just five hits while walking one. The Sea Gulls finally broke through in the seventh on Ethan Ruiz’s two-run double before Jackson Inman tied the game with a sacrifice fly later in the inning.
Hobart threatened in extra innings, including a 10th inning where Conte reached and advanced into scoring position, but could not push across the go-ahead run.
Salisbury finally ended it in the 12th after a leadoff walk and throwing error set up Jake Witter’s walk-off single.
Conte and junior Sean Garvin each finished with three hits, while first-year Joe Dunham allowed one run across five innings of relief.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].