Princeton defeated the Cornell baseball team in both games of a doubleheader on March 21, winning 13-7 and 12-0 at Clarke Field to start the Ivy League season.
The results mark a strong start for Princeton in conference play and put Cornell at an early disadvantage. The sweep also extends Princeton’s lead in the all-time series between the two teams.
In the first game, Princeton built a commanding lead by scoring 13 runs in the first five innings. Cornell responded with seven unanswered runs late in the game, including a three-run home run by senior TJ Swidorski and a two-run home run by freshman Tyler Beaulieu. Senior right-handed pitcher Carson Mayfield left early due to injury after allowing four runs over just over two innings. Junior Ethan Van Sice pitched three scoreless innings in relief for Cornell. Princeton starter Justin Kim held Cornell scoreless through five innings, striking out eight batters.
The second game saw Princeton capitalize on 13 hits and four errors by Cornell to secure a shutout victory. Grant Werdesheim led off with a triple and scored, while Jake Koonin added a solo home run. Tomas Cernius went 3-for-5 with two runs batted in, and Bennett Crerar drove in three runs for Princeton. Freshman Aiden Barclay recorded two of Cornell’s three hits. James Beasley started for Princeton, pitching five scoreless innings before Elliot Eaton finished with four no-hit innings.
With these wins, Princeton increased its advantage over Cornell to 165-103-2 in their all-time series and has now won four straight meetings against the Big Red. Mayfield’s four strikeouts moved him into a tie for 18th place on Cornell’s career strikeouts list with Tim Willittes at 139 since 1947.
Cornell will try to avoid being swept when they face Princeton again on Sunday. Senior Ethan Hamill is scheduled to pitch for Cornell against Liam Kinneen of Princeton.
