Notre Dame defeated Stanford 6-2 in the opening game of their baseball series at Frank Eck Stadium on May 1.
The win marks a comeback for Notre Dame after falling behind early, giving the team momentum as they continue their three-game set against Stanford.
Stanford scored first with back-to-back two-out doubles in the top of the first inning and added another run in the third. Notre Dame responded when Drew Berkland reached base on an infield single and later scored on a double steal. In the sixth inning, Berkland drove in Parker Brzustewicz to tie the game at two runs each.
Pitcher Jack Radel played a key role for Notre Dame, striking out twelve batters over seven innings and tying his career-high mark. The Irish took control in the bottom of the seventh when Mason Barth hit a three-run home run, putting them ahead 5-2. Relief pitcher Noah Rooney finished out the last two innings without allowing any runs, earning a save.
Offensively, Mason Barth went one-for-two with a home run and two walks. Drew Berkland collected three hits and scored twice while Mark Quatrani had two hits including a double. Parker Brzustewicz contributed with both hitting and scoring twice.
Notre Dame improved its record to 22 wins and 20 losses overall (9-16 Atlantic Coast Conference). The teams will meet again for game two of their series at Frank Eck Stadium.
