Union, N.J. (5/18/25) – The Kean University baseball team edged Cortland, 4-3, to claim the NCAA Division III Union Regional title on Sunday afternoon at Jim Hynes Stadium.

The regional title is the seventh in program history and first since 2013.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Cougars (38-8) scored the game's first runs in the bottom of the fourth as CJ Tomalavage and Dan Reistle singled to start the frame and both moved a base with a successful sacrifice from Brett Hilsheimer.  John Chiusano delivered on the first pitch he saw with a double to push across two.

Kean made it 3-0 in the fifth as it was Chiusano again, who this time lofted a sac fly, scoring Tyler Stone who reached on a leadoff single.

The Red Dragons (31-13) erased the shutout and pulled within one in the top of the seventh as Nick Marola lined a two-run shot to left center.

Kyle Adorno added what was thought to be insurance, but was actually the winning run in the bottom of the eighth.  With two outs and a runner on second, Adorno's single into center sent home Dominic Masino, who reached on a walk.

That set up the top of the ninth.  Cal Chase was able to record the first out of the inning, but one batter later, Adam Mieczkowski was able to pull Cortland within one, with a solo shot to left.  Jason Basilicata entered the game and Marola doubled into the gap, putting the tying run at second with one out.  Talon Elkins took a 1-2 pitch into center, but Adorno was able to charge in and catch the low liner while also catching Marola too far off of second for the game-ending double play.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Chiusano was 1-for-3 with three RBI while Tomalavage was 3-for-4.

Christian Pareja (5-1) earned the win after tossing six and a third innings allowing two runs and seven hits.  He fanned three and walked one.  Basilcata earned his ninth save of the season, getting two outs in the ninth.

UP NEXT:

Kean will face Salve Regina in the Super Regional round next Friday, at a site yet to be announced.