Coastal Carolina opened the 2026 baseball season with a 5-3 win over Fairfield University on Feb. 13 at Springs Brooks Stadium, scoring five runs in the sixth inning to secure the victory.
Fairfield took an early lead in the first inning with infielder Luke Nomura hitting a solo home run to put the Stags ahead 1-0. Outfielder Matthew Bucciero followed with another home run, giving Fairfield a 2-0 advantage.
Coastal starting right-handed pitcher Cameron Flukey responded with five strikeouts across five-plus innings. After the first inning, Flukey limited Fairfield’s opportunities and worked through multiple innings with quick outs, including a double play in the second.
The Chanticleers threatened in the bottom of the first after outfielder Dean Mihos was hit by a pitch. Infielders Trace Mazon singled and Blake Barthol walked to load the bases. However, Coastal was unable to convert, ending the inning scoreless.
Through five innings, Coastal trailed 2-0.
The game shifted in the bottom of the sixth in favor of the Chants.
Infielder Walker Mitchell singled and outfielder Jordan Taylor drew a walk to set up Mihos, who delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1. Mazon followed with another RBI single to tie the game at 2-2. A wild pitch later in the inning brought home the go-ahead run.
Catcher Domenico Tozzi added a two-run double to extend Coastal’s lead to 5-2 before the inning ended.
Right-handed pitcher Darin Horn entered in relief and recorded two strikeouts. Fairfield narrowed the margin in the seventh when outfielder Jake Haarde hit an RBI double to make it 5-3. Horn worked out of additional pressure in the eighth, stranding two runners to preserve the lead.
Coastal closed the game with a double play in the ninth inning.
The Chanticleers finished with five runs on seven hits, while Fairfield recorded three runs on seven hits.
Coastal will continue its opening weekend series against Fairfield with a doubleheader Saturday, Feb. 14, beginning at 1 p.m. in Conway.
