LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - The Saint Peter's baseball team (5-47, 1-29 MAAC) played its final game of the 2026 season on Saturday at Sonny Pittaro Field, ultimately falling to Rider (30-17, 22-8 MAAC) by seven runs, 5-12.

Despite the result, the Peacocks saw some positives throughout the game, including Alex Manent tying Saint Peter's single-season home run record with his 10th homer of the year. This season, he led the team in home runs (10), hits (48), RBIs (35) and on-base percentage (.432%) (min. 35 at bats). 

He was joined by six other Peacocks to record a hit in the final game of the season. On the mound, Marcus Monroe and Jackson Thorne each pitched scoreless innings late in the game, and Frank Caietta allowed just one run in his sole inning pitched.

Even though the season came to an end, the Peacocks have plenty to build on moving forward. In the first season under head coach TJ Ward, Saint Peter's showed growth throughout the year and will use the offseason to keep working, improving and getting ready for the 2027 season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Peter's grabbed an early lead in the top of the third when Manent launched a two-run homer to left field, scoring Josh Bullock for a 2-0 advantage.

Rider answered immediately in the bottom half, capitalizing on two Peacock errors to score five runs. The Broncs brought in three unearned runs on a misplay at third base before adding a two-run double to take a 5-2 lead.

The Peacocks cut the deficit to one in the fourth inning on RBI singles from Ellis Reid III and Joey Dwyer, making it 4-5. Rider responded with a run in the fourth and five more in the fifth to break the game open.

Saint Peter's added its final run in the sixth when Chase Fogg drew a bases-loaded walk to score Harry Wilton. The Broncs' late push turned out to be the difference-maker as the Peacocks fell by seven runs.
  Read Full Article