ETSU Baseball Dominates Sacred Heart in Series Sweep

Bucs offense explodes for 10-0 win in series opener

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The ETSU baseball team got off to a strong 4-1 start to the season, capped by a dominant three-game sweep of the Sacred Heart Pioneers over the weekend. In the series opener on Friday, February 21, the Bucs cruised to a 10-0 victory, led by a huge offensive performance that included three home runs and six RBIs from sophomore Axel Melendez.

Why it matters

The lopsided wins over Sacred Heart continue ETSU's hot start to the season and demonstrate the team's offensive firepower and pitching depth. As the Bucs look to build on last year's success, this series sweep could be an early indicator of their potential to contend for a conference title.

The details

ETSU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead and then broke the game open in the sixth inning, when Melendez hit three home runs and drove in six runs to power the Bucs to a 10-0 victory. The Bucs' pitching staff also shined, with starter Tadan Bell tossing five scoreless innings and relievers Andrew Cotten and Stratton Scott combining for four more innings without allowing a run. In total, the three ETSU pitchers recorded 13 strikeouts.

  • The series opener against Sacred Heart took place on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • ETSU swept the series, winning the final two games on Saturday, February 22 with scores of 26-3 and 11-8.

The players

Axel Melendez

A sophomore on the ETSU baseball team who had a huge game in the series opener, hitting three home runs and driving in six runs.

Tadan Bell

The ETSU starting pitcher who tossed five scoreless innings in the series opener.

Andrew Cotten

An ETSU relief pitcher who combined with Stratton Scott to throw four more scoreless innings in the series opener.

Stratton Scott

An ETSU relief pitcher who combined with Andrew Cotten to throw four more scoreless innings in the series opener.

Mason Ault

An ETSU player who hit two home runs in the series.

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What they’re saying

“Starting off the season strong with a 4-1 record, the ETSU baseball team faced off against the Sacred Heart Pioneers on Friday, Feb. 21, for the first of a three game series. After a long eight innings, ETSU managed to completely shut out its opponent, leading to a 10-0 win.”

— Hope Hatton, Contributor (easttennessean.com)

What’s next

The Bucs will look to continue their strong start to the season when they host Appalachian State on Tuesday, February 24.

The takeaway

ETSU's dominant series sweep of Sacred Heart showcases the team's offensive firepower and pitching depth, providing an early indication that the Bucs could be a force to be reckoned with in their conference this season.