Duke Blows Out Gardner-Webb in Final Tune-Up Before ACC Play

Blue Devils win 12 of 15 non-conference games ahead of conference schedule

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Duke baseball team cruised to a 15-3 victory over Gardner-Webb in a seven-inning game on Tuesday, their final non-conference matchup before the start of ACC play this weekend. The Blue Devils scored five runs in both the first and sixth innings to pull away from the Runnin' Bulldogs.

Why it matters

Duke is looking to build momentum heading into ACC competition, where they will face tougher opponents. This blowout win over Gardner-Webb should give the Blue Devils confidence as they prepare to host Notre Dame in their conference opener.

The details

Kaden Smith hit a two-run home run in the first inning to get Duke on the board early. The Blue Devils then tacked on three more runs in the first on RBI hits from Tyler Albright and Adin Zorn. In the sixth inning, three of Duke's five runs scored on wild pitches, with Collin Anderson also driving in a run with a triple. Duke had a strong offensive performance, with five players recording multi-hit games.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Duke's first ACC series against Notre Dame is this upcoming weekend.

The players

Kaden Smith

Duke outfielder who hit a two-run home run in the first inning.

Tyler Albright

Duke player who drove in a run with a hit in the first inning.

Adin Zorn

Duke player who had an RBI hit in the first inning and a two-hit game.

Collin Anderson

Duke player who drove in a run with a triple in the sixth inning.

Jordan Regulski

Duke starting pitcher who allowed three runs in 3 2/3 innings.

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What they’re saying

“Duke is rolling into its first ACC weekend of the baseball season with a blowout win.”

— Brady Thomas, Author (on3.com)

What’s next

Duke will host Notre Dame this weekend in their first ACC series of the season.

The takeaway

This decisive victory over Gardner-Webb should give Duke momentum and confidence as they enter ACC play, where they will face tougher competition but will look to build on their strong 12-3 non-conference record.