ELON – Elon completed a dominant opening weekend, sweeping Delaware in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon. The Phoenix offense proved relentless throughout the series, highlighted by a season-high 17 runs in the finale.
Vince Fattore starred in the doubleheader, delivering three extra-base hits in the nightcap. Jake Hajdu wasn’t far behind, launching his first career home run and driving in a career-best six runs in game two.
Elon’s record now stands at 3-0, while Delaware falls to 0-3.
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game One
Elon quickly responded after falling behind 1-0 in the first inning. A two-RBI double by Kevin Denty gave the Phoenix a 2-1 lead after one frame.
The Phoenix continued to answer every Delaware challenge. A Delaware run in the third was countered by Jose Mariano’s first Elon home run and an RBI double from Vince Fattore.
Delaware regained the lead with three runs in the fifth, taking a 5-4 advantage. Elon immediately responded with three runs of their own, all scored on walks or hit-by-pitches from Delaware pitching.
The combination of Sam Nomura and RJ Latkowski shut down Delaware’s offense, combining for 3.2 innings of scoreless relief to secure the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED – Game Two
Elon’s offense exploded in the first inning of game two. Doubles from Fattore and Hajdu drove in four runs, and a single by Lawson Wheeler added another, giving the Phoenix a 5-0 lead.
Delaware chipped away with a three-run home run in the second, but Elon responded with another offensive surge. Disciplined hitting led to three more runs, all scored on walks and groundouts.
Fattore and Hajdu added to the lead in the fourth inning with solo home runs.
Singles from Wheeler and Roche continued the scoring in the sixth and seventh innings. Elon capitalized on defensive lapses by Delaware, scoring three runs on walks and two Blue Hens errors.
Delaware managed one run in the ninth, but the deficit was too large to overcome, and Elon secured a 17-4 victory.
QUICK HITS
- Elon clinched their first weekend series sweep since 2020.
- Jake Hajdu drove in seven runs during the doubleheader (one in game one, six in game two). His six RBIs in game two are the most by a Phoenix player since Will Vergantino drove in seven during Elon’s win over NJIT in 2024. Hajdu also hit his first career home run Saturday night.
- Vince Fattore finished the doubleheader with four extra-base hits, including three doubles and a home run.
- Gar Hindle made his first career start in game two, going 1-for-1 with three walks and four runs scored.
- Lawson Wheeler made his first career start at DH in game two, contributing two RBI singles.
- Jose Mariano hit his first home run as a member of the Elon Phoenix in game one.
- Ten different players drove in a run over the two games on Saturday.
- Cole Hansen earned his first career win after allowing three runs over 5.2 innings of work.
- Eric Lintelman made his first career appearance for the Phoenix, striking out two batters.
- Aidan Stieglitz earned his first career win after 2.1 innings of relief, also striking out two batters.
- The doubleheader sweep gave head coach Mike Kennedy his 885th career win.
UP NEXT
Elon will face Presbyterian in a midweek clash on Tuesday, February 17th, with first pitch scheduled for 4:00 PM.
