CALDWELL, N.J.- The Caldwell University baseball team defeated Mercy College 7-2 in their 2021 season opener. The Cougars open the season at 1-0, while the Mavericks fall to 2-1.          
For the Cougars, it has been 369 days since they last took the field due to the COVID-19 pandemic but their return to the field ended with a season-opening victory and their second opening day win in the past three seasons.
 
Caldwell struck first in the second as they loaded the bases with one out. Sophomore Elias Negron (Virginia Beach, Va.) hit a sacrifice fly to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead.
 
The Cougars added a run in the third as junior Kyle Richards (Sayreville, N.J.) drove in a run with a single.
 
Caldwell broke the game open in the fourth with five runs. The Cougars loaded the bases with two outs. Richards was hit by a pitch for force in a run, while junior Jalen March (Baltimore, Md.) drew a walk for a 4-0 lead. Freshman Chris Dorta (Sunrise, Fla.) cleared the bases with a three-run triple for a 7-0 lead.
 
Mercy added a run in the fifth and the ninth inning to cut the score to 7-2.
 
Richards went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI. Junior Frank Lehmann (Colonia, N.J.) collected two hits and had a double in the win.
 
Sophomore Brian Mackey (New Milford, N.J.) picked up the win, tossing two scoreless innings, striking out one in a bullpen game.
 
The Cougars host Queens College for a non-conference doubleheader on Saturday, March 20 at 11 am at the Kiwanis Oval.