Written by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
Baseball is back in Marietta. The Marietta College Pioneers kicked off the 2026 season in Greensboro, North Carolina at the D3 Showcase. Here, Marietta College battled four teams across four days. Their opponents were, SUNY Cortland, Christopher Newport University, University of Lynchburg, and Salisbury University. Unfortunately, Marietta will return to Ohio for their home opener winless.
Versus the Cortland Red Dragons Austin Ziance got the start for the Pioneers as he finished 4-0 in 2025. Unfortunately, an untimely error in the first put the Dragons up 2-0. Cortland increased their lead to 5-0 in the second and Ziance was pulled for Josh Pederson. Sophomore Zack Molloy got the Pios solo run of the game from a home run in the fourth. A set of home runs in the 6th and 7th ended the game with the Pioneers losing 11-1.
The following day versus the CNU Captains battled into extra innings. The Etta Express got the lead early with Bradley Jones scoring twice in the first two innings helping the Pios to a 4-0 lead. However, a Captains’ grand slam in the bottom of the second shifted the tide.
By the top of the 6th the game was tied 10 all. In the 6th, sophomore, Bryce Bogan doubled for two RBI’s and stole home for a 13-10 lead. A double, a walk, and an error helped he Pios increase their lead to 17-10 in the 8th. Seemingly with a secure win, the Pios had Cooper Fiehrer come in for Jared Bees on the mound. Although six straight hits and two walks led to the Captains regaining the lead 18-17.
With great luck, two straight walks led to the Pioneers tying the game in the 9th. Etta got three straight outs in the bottom of the ninth and sent the game into overtime. Sophomore, Jameson Embrescia homered to start out the 10th and Jones sac flied Bogan in for a 20-18 lead. The Captains response? Three straight singles and a double for a Christopher Newport 21-20 victory.
Down 0-2, Marietta’s scheduled games versus #6 University of Lynchburg and #5 Salisbury University were cancelled due to time constraints and weather.
Marietta’s home debut takes place this weekend as they host a three-game series versus Berry College. Game one is on Friday February 27th at Don and Sue Schaly Field at Pioneer Park at 1:00 p.m. Game two is the following day at 1:00 p.m. and game three is on Sunday March 1st at noon.
The Pioneers are 3-3 overall versus the Berry College Vikings. Last year they were swept by the team on the road. They’ll have a fourth game against the Vikings this season on Saturday March 7th in Mount Berry, Georgia.
To keep up with the Etta Express visit them at 2026 Baseball Schedule – Marietta College Athletics.
