Harvard University baseball split its Ivy League opening doubleheader against Columbia University on March 21, winning the first game 4-1 before falling 5-3 in the second at Robertson Field at Satow Stadium in New York.
The games marked Harvard’s first Ivy League contests of the season and their first appearance in the Northeast region this year. The Crimson improved to a 2-13 overall record and 1-1 in conference play, while Columbia moved to 3-12 overall and also stands at 1-1 in the Ivy League.
In game one, senior pitcher Gio Colasante led Harvard by throwing six innings, allowing just one run on two hits with four strikeouts. First-year pitcher Brett Gable earned his first career save with three scoreless innings of relief. Offensively, junior shortstop Jack Rickheim and junior second baseman Tyler Shulman each collected three hits, while Colasante contributed an RBI as a batter. The team recorded eleven hits for the second consecutive game.
Game two saw Colasante continue his strong performance, going two-for-three at the plate with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored—his third home run of the season. Senior Max Lane added an RBI double. On the mound, sophomore Luca Alagheband started with five innings pitched and four strikeouts; senior Brian Dowling provided 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. Despite tying the game at three after Colasante’s home run in the fifth inning, Harvard could not hold off Columbia’s late surge.
The series between Harvard and Columbia will conclude with a single game scheduled for Sunday, March 22.
