Susquehanna holds off Pfeiffer Baseball, 4-3

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (February, 20, 2026) — Pfeiffer University put together a three-run rally in the fourth inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome Susquehanna University in a 4–3 loss Friday at Atrium Health Ballpark in game two of the D3 Showcase.

Pfeiffer (0–4) tallied seven hits and was lifted by a strong middle-of-the-order showing, highlighted by Jack Brandle's two-run homer to deep right field that tied the game in the fourth. Brandle finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk. Freshman Ben Mecimore added two hits, including a single to open the Falcons' big inning.

After Mecimore reached, Brandle drilled his first home run of the season to pull Pfeiffer within 2–2. Later in the inning, Tony Mejias delivered a run-scoring single through the left side, giving the Falcons a brief 3–2 advantage.

Pfeiffer starter James Eason worked six innings, striking out three and allowing six hits. Despite the loss, he induced 10 ground-ball outs and stranded runners in three separate innings, but was tagged for a pair of early extra-base hits, including a second-inning two-run homer by Aidan Proctor that set the tone for Susquehanna.

Freshman right-hander Cameron Cooper shined in relief for the Falcons, throwing three scoreless innings with five strikeouts, zero hits allowed, and just two walks.

Offensively, Christian Bellantoni posted a multi-hit day, going 2-for-4 with two singles, while Austin Wood added an infield single and scored once. Pfeiffer threatened again in the eighth, loading the bases on a hit-by-pitch and a pair of singles, but stranded all three runners.

Susquehanna relievers held the Falcons scoreless over the final five innings, and Cole Lilore recorded the save with a clean ninth.

Pfeiffer continues play in the D3 Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 5:00 p.m. against Swarthmore College..