No. 3 Monmouth University baseball team suffered a 6-1 defeat to No. 6 UNCW in a Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Championship elimination game. Monmouth concluded the 2026 season with 30 wins, its best record since 2018. UNCW established an early lead with four runs in the first inning and increased it to 6-0 by the second inning. Chris Walsh's RBI double in the third allowed Monmouth to score, but they couldn't mount a comeback despite strong pitching in later innings. This loss marked the end of the Hawks' postseason run, showcasing both offensive struggles and moments of resilience on the mound.

By the Numbers
  • Monmouth finished the season with 30 wins, the most since 2018.
  • Brendan Buecker was hit by a pitch for the 13th time this season, marking the team's 94th overall hit by pitch.
  • Wyatt Hunt recorded his 17th double and 70th hit of the season, a milestone not achieved by a Hawk in a decade.
  • Austin Beard struck out a season-high five batters in five innings of relief.
Yes, But

While Monmouth's season was marked by significant milestones, such as achieving 30 wins and Hunt's remarkable 70 hits, their elimination from the CAA Championship displayed the need for more consistent offensive output against top-tier competition.

State of Play
  • Rain delayed the game for almost six hours, impacting player readiness and momentum.
  • Colin Ruddy pitched three hitless innings, but his efforts came too late to change the game's outcome.
What's Next

As Monmouth reflects on its successful but ultimately short-lived season, focus will shift to recruiting and developing talent for the future, aiming to build upon this year's successes and enhance competitiveness in the coming seasons.

Bottom Line

Monmouth's 2026 season showcased both promise and challenges; with key performances by players like Walsh and Beard, the team must harness these experiences to elevate their game and strive for deeper postseason success next year.