The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) baseball team extended its unbeaten start to the 2026 season by sweeping a doubleheader against Marist at Thomas Stadium on Saturday. The Buccaneers secured victories with scores of 7-5 and 7-2, improving their record to 3-0 for the third consecutive year.
In the opening game, both teams traded runs early before ETSU pulled ahead in the sixth inning. Relief pitcher Oliff entered with the bases loaded and no outs, preventing any runs from scoring. The Buccaneers then took advantage in their half of the inning with a two-run single that made it 6-4. Marist narrowed the gap with a solo home run in the seventh, but ETSU answered back in the eighth with an RBI single. Oliff left after getting two outs in the ninth when Marist loaded the bases again. Freshman Costarelli closed out his collegiate debut by recording the final out and earning a save.
ETSU’s middle infielders Ferguson and another teammate each went 3-for-4, while Ault contributed two hits and drove in three runs. On the mound, Costarelli earned his first save, and Oliff was credited with the win after pitching 3.2 innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out four.
The second game saw ETSU gain more control as they scored multiple runs across several innings and held Marist to just five hits and two runs. Four pitchers combined to keep Marist’s offense limited while recording seven strikeouts.
Offensively, Fetterman hit his first collegiate home run, joining another teammate who also homered in the win. Fetterman, Curless, and another player each collected two hits. Ferguson scored three times and stole another base, finishing the series hitting .500 with four runs scored and going 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts.
The Buccaneers will play their next game on Tuesday against Virginia Tech in a non-conference matchup scheduled for 4 p.m. Additional details about Buccaneer baseball can be found at ETSUBucs.com under the baseball tab.
