MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — Opening the 2026 season Friday at Feimbloom Field, Cal State East Bay came up just short in a 4–2 loss to Barry in a tightly played opener that featured early offense by the Buccaneers and sustained pressure from the Pioneers. Despite multiple chances to even the score, East Bay was unable to deliver the decisive hit.
Barry struck quickly in the bottom of the first inning to take a 3–0 lead. Zavier Hatfield led off the inning and later scored on an RBI double by Brady Blanks. Two batters later, Erik Blair connected for a two-run home run, giving the Buccaneers an early three-run advantage.
Cal State East Bay answered with its first runs of the season in the top of the third inning, manufacturing offense through patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning. Dominick Najar was hit by a pitch to open the frame and then stole second base. Marc DiCarlo followed by also being hit by a pitch, and after Najar stole third, Alijah Ramos drew a walk to load the bases. Two batters later, Gio Martini was hit by a pitch, forcing home Najar for the Pioneers' first run of 2026. East Bay continued the rally when Carson Cripe worked a bases-loaded walk, bringing in DiCarlo and cutting the deficit to 3–2.
The Buccaneers answered in the bottom of the fourth inning with what proved to be the final run of the game. Hatfield delivered again, lining an RBI double to extend Barry's lead to 4–2.
The Pioneers continued to threaten throughout the middle innings, placing a runner in scoring position in each of the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but were unable to capitalize. Barry's pitching staff limited the damage, and over the final two innings, East Bay was held without a baserunner as the Buccaneers closed out the season opener.
Micah Cervantes led Cal State East Bay offensively with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate. On the mound, Ryan Juric logged three innings and struck out three, helping keep the Pioneers within striking distance after the early deficit.
Cal State East Bay head coach Mike Cummins said, "Pretty well played game on both sides. Our pitching gave us a chance to win. One hit away from breaking the game open. Need to cut our strikeouts down."
The Pioneers continue their Florida trip Saturday with a doubleheader at Lynn. Game one is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET first pitch, followed by game two at 3 p.m. ET, at Lynn Baseball Field in Boca Raton, Florida.
