BALTIMORE, Md. (May 15, 2026) — Pfeiffer cut into an early deficit with a pair of home runs midway through the game, but Johns Hopkins' power proved too much in a 9-6 loss in the opening round of the NCAA Regional on Friday at Babb Field.
The Falcons (25-21) trailed by as many as seven runs before rallying, while the Blue Jays (34-9) used five home runs and 14 hits to advance in the double-elimination tournament.
Johns Hopkins broke a scoreless tie in the third inning when Luke Baker launched a solo home run to right field. The Blue Jays then widened the gap with four runs in the fourth, highlighted by Shane Keough's two-run homer, pushing the lead to 5-0.
Pfeiffer answered in the fifth. After putting runners aboard,
Tony Mejias delivered a three-run home run to right field, trimming the deficit to 5-3.
The Blue Jays responded immediately, however, adding two runs in the fifth and another in the sixth. Clay Hartje's two-run homer and additional power from the top of the order helped Johns Hopkins extend its advantage to 8-3.
Pfeiffer stayed within striking distance in the sixth inning when Christian Bellanton connected for a two-run homer, cutting the lead to 8-5. The Falcons later added a run in the ninth on an error, but could get no closer.
Baker led Johns Hopkins offensively, going 4 for 4 with two home runs, two RBIs and two runs scored. Jacob Harris added two hits, including a homer and a double, while driving in two runs. Keough and Hartje also homered for the Blue Jays.
Mejias paced Pfeiffer with a two-hit, three-RBI performance, highlighted by his fifth-inning homer. Bellanton finished with a pinch-hit home run and two RBIs, while
Ethan Willard scored twice.
On the mound, Johns Hopkins starter Kieren Collins earned the win, allowing five runs on six hits over seven innings while striking out five and not issuing a walk.
Pfeiffer starter
Joe Javier took the loss after allowing three runs over three innings. The Falcons' bullpen surrendered six additional runs, including three more home runs.
With the loss, Pfeiffer moves into the elimination bracket and will need a win on Saturday against either Pomona-Pitzer or Mary Washington
