Baseball Dispatched Wednesday by Merrimack

Wednesday, March 11

West Point, N.Y

3:35 p.m.

Army West Point

6-8

Merrimack

5-7

Merrimack

Army West Point

Baseball Dispatched Wednesday by Merrimack

March 11, 2026 | Baseball

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Runs were scored late, but a large comeback wasn't in the cards for the second day in a row, as Army West Point baseball dropped Wednesday's non-conference test to the Merrimack Warriors, 8-4.

Army (6-8) exits the midweek stretch with a series split, after a dramatic come-from-behind win on Tuesday.

Merrimack plated a trio of runs in the opening inning at Doubleday Field and held the lead for the remainder of the contest.

As a brief rain shower coated the Hudson Valley amid an early spring warm spell, the Warriors extended their early lead to 7-0 in the third inning thanks to a four-run third inning, featuring two home runs from the visitors.

Army didn't allow another run after Merrimack made it an eight-run game in the fourth.

The Black Knights didn't go away quietly however, even if a late lead change wasn't in the cards. JT Craig walked with the bases loaded in the eighth, before Nick Cicale recorded a two-run, pinch hit single and Jake Pineda drove in Craig with a single later in the frame.

Jakob Vanderhave made his first career start on the mound, and although he recorded a pair of strikeouts in as many innings, he was on the hook for his second decision of the year.

Joe Vaccarella, Sean Newton, Walker Calvo, Mark Abell and Max Donecea each pitched for Army out of the bullpen, with the latter four giving up zero runs.

By the Numbers

9: Army's pitchers combined for nine strikeouts Wednesday.

2: A day after his go-ahead home run on the front end of the two-game series, Max McGlone drew two walks Wednesday.

Black Knight Notes

Chris Barr returned to the leadoff spot after a pair of games at third and second in the order.

Addison Ainsworth returned to the lineup after a four-game absence.

Donecea's appearance was the plebe's first in his career.

Calvo's three strikeouts represented a career-high.

Paul Andrzejewski played second base and recorded a hit off the bench Wednesday, his first base knock of 2026.

John McKillop saw his first action in the field vs. Merrimack, checking in at first base off the bench after previously just seeing action as a DH in 2026.

Cicale's RBIs were his first over his Army career, with the Annapolis area native also logging his first true at bat Wednesday after recording a walk in his career debut at The Citadel on February 22.

Next Up

Army opens Patriot League play at home this weekend with a three-game series vs. Holy Cross, in a rematch of last year's conference championship series. First pitch Friday is set for 4:05 p.m. at Doubleday Field.

Follow the Black Knights

Follow Army Baseball on X @ArmyWP_Baseball and on Instagram @armywp_baseball. Fans can also like Army West Point Athletics on Facebook and learn more about baseball and other programs at goarmywestpoint.com.