GORHAM, Maine – The Vermont State University Castleton baseball team concluded the 2026 campaign Thursday afternoon as they fell 9-2 to UMass Boston in an elimination game during day two of the Little East Conference tournament.
The Basics:
- Final Score: 9-2 UMass Boston
- Location: Gorham, Maine – Ed Flaherty Field
- Records: 21-21 UMass Boston | 13-28 Castleton
How it Happened:
The Spartans found themselves in a 3-0 deficit following the completion of the first inning as the Beacons scored off of three singles. UMass Boston tacked on its fourth run at the bottom of the third with a groundout to the pitcher as one run crossed home plate (4-0). The Spartans stranded two runners at the top of the fourth with a single from
Carter Dickinson, pushing
Justin Strozyk to second, but the next two batters flew out, leaving Castleton scoreless through four innings. Castleton left two more runners on base at the top of the seventh before they were able to get on the board at the top of the eighth.
Strozyk launched a two-run home run as the eighth inning opened, for his ninth of the season, as the Spartans now trailed by just two (4-2). The Beacons responded with five runs at the bottom of the eighth inning as Castleton now faced a seven-run deficit with one inning left to keep the season alive (9-2).
Trey LaVigne started the Spartans off with a single to right field at the top of the ninth before
Turner Clews came in to pinch run. The next two batters struck out as Castleton was down to its final out.
Joe Castellano flew out to left field as the Beacons took a 9-2 win, and the Spartans saw their season come to a close.
Top Performers:
- Strozyk and LaVigne led the team with two hits each, while Strozyk led Castleton with two RBIs.
- On the mound, Luke Russell notched two strikeouts as he closed out his career as a Spartan with 87 career strikeouts.
Castleton completed the 2026 season with an overall record of 13-29 and an LEC record of 5-11.
