PHILADELPHIA — In a thrilling, rain-filled afternoon in Philadelphia on Saturday, the Columbia baseball team was eliminated from the Ivy League Tournament despite a massive five-run rally in the eighth inning which looked like it just could keep the Lions' season alive. #3 Princeton always seemed to have an answer, and ultimately came away with a 13-11 victory in a back-and-forth battle at Meiklejohn Stadium, washing away Columbia's hopes at a title run.
Despite a downpour that began in the first inning, the Lions came out on fire to put the pressure on the Tigers right away. Griffin Palfrey got things started in the top of the first with an RBI groundout, on which a great play and throw in the hole by Princeton shortstop Eric Marasheski was the only thing keeping Palfrey from a hit. However, Anton Lazits would come through in the next at bat with a two-RBI single right up the middle to put the Lions up 3-0.
The Tigers' pitching staff struggled early, and that continued into the second inning when Jack Kail came into score on a balk to extend Columbia's lead to 4-0.
Like the rain, the Lions would not let up as Lazits laced a solo homer, his fifth of the season, to right field in the top of the third inning to make it 5-0.
However, Princeton would storm back in the bottom of the third with an impressive two-out rally. Scott Bandura got things started by crushing a solo shot to deep right center. Then, after back-to-back two-out hits, Nick DiPietrantonio blasted a three-run homer to pull the Tigers to within one run.
An inning later, it was Kyle Vinci for Princeton who came through with a clutch homer, blasting a grand slam to put the Tigers in front 8-5.
The Lions were quiet until the seventh, when Skye Selinsky smacked an RBI double down the right field line to cut the deficit to just two runs.
Princeton would have an answer in the bottom of the frame, breaking things open and pouring in three runs on a bases-clearing double from Jake Bold. This gave the Tigers what they thought was a comfortable 11-6 lead.
Columbia had an incredible rally in the top of the eighth, which included runs scoring on a wild pitch, fielder's choice, and hit by pitch. Then, in his first at bat of the day,
Cole Fellows came through with a two-run single up the middle to tie things up at 11-11.
The Tigers responded once again plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth, and tasking the Lions with having to make another comeback. Columbia would see the tying run reach second base in the top of the ninth, but lighting would not strike twice for the Lions as Princeton was able to hold on and escape with the 13-11 victory.
Lazits had a monster day at the plate, reaching base five times and driving in four runs.
Weston Eberly showed explisite patience, notching five walks which equals a Columbia single game record.
Hayden Schott,
Griffin Palfrey, and
Sam Miller each tallied two hits.
Andy Leon started the game for Columbia and went three innings while allowing four earned runs.
Will Parkinson had a solid outing in relief, notching 3.2 innings and tallying a career-high six strikeouts. Jacob Faulkner picked up the win for Princeton.
Columbia finishes the 2023 season with a 23-22 record, while the Tigers fend off elimination and advance to play the loser of tomorrow morning's Harvard and Penn matchup.
For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on Twitter and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
