Princeton Baseball Secures Crucial Ivy League Series Win Over Dartmouth
The Princeton Tigers baseball team delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, April 26, 2026, clinching a pivotal series victory against Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire. The 9-2 win not only bolstered Princeton’s postseason aspirations but also tightened the race for the Ivy League tournament berth as the regular season winds down.
Game Recap: Tigers Break Open the Scoring Early
Princeton’s offense came out firing, breaking a scoreless deadlock in the fourth inning when Tomas Cernius launched a solo home run to left field. The blast set the tone for a five-run fifth inning that turned the game into a rout. Tommy Googins added an RBI double, and Grant Werdesheim reached on a fielder’s choice, plating two more runs. Isaac Lamson capped the inning by scoring on a wild pitch, extending the Tigers’ lead to 5-0.
The Tigers weren’t done. In the seventh, Princeton exploded for four more runs, highlighted by a two-run single from Jake Kernodle and an RBI knock from Brady Kaufman. Dartmouth managed two late runs, but the deficit was insurmountable.
Pitching Dominance Seals the Deal
Starting pitcher Justin Kim was masterful, tossing six shutout innings although allowing just three hits and striking out two. Kim improved to 4-0 on the season, showcasing the poise that has made him a cornerstone of Princeton’s rotation. Reliever Ryan Penney closed out the game, surrendering two runs in the seventh but preserving the Tigers’ commanding lead.
“This was a must-win series for us, and the guys came out locked in from the first pitch,” said Princeton head coach Scott Bradley. “Justin set the tone, and our bats finally broke through when we needed them most.”
Ivy League Tournament Implications
With the victory, Princeton (14-24 8-10 Ivy League) kept its postseason hopes alive in a crowded field. The Ivy League tournament features the top two teams from each division, and Princeton’s series win over Dartmouth (12-21, 7-11) could prove decisive in the standings. The Tigers trail Cornell by just one game in the Gehrig Division, setting up a high-stakes finale against the Large Red next weekend.
“Every game from here on out is a playoff game,” said Googins. “We grasp what’s at stake, and we’re ready to fight for every run.”
Key Performances
- Tomas Cernius: 1-for-4, HR, 1 RBI
- Tommy Googins: 1-for-4, 2B, 1 RBI
- Justin Kim: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 K (W, 4-0)
- Jake Kernodle: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
What’s Next for Princeton?
The Tigers return to action on Wednesday, April 29, when they host Siena College at Clarke Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game serves as a tune-up before Princeton’s critical three-game series against Cornell, which could determine the Gehrig Division champion.
FAQ
How does the Ivy League baseball tournament work?
The Ivy League tournament features the top two teams from each of the league’s two divisions (Gehrig and Rolfe). The four teams compete in a single-elimination bracket, with the winner earning the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Who are Princeton’s biggest rivals in the Ivy League?
Princeton’s most intense rivalries are with Harvard and Yale in baseball, though Cornell has emerged as a key competitor in recent years, particularly in the Gehrig Division.
Where can I watch Princeton baseball games?
Many Princeton baseball games are streamed on the Ivy League’s official website or through the ESPN+ platform. Select home games are also broadcast on local radio.
Key Takeaways
- Princeton secured a crucial 9-2 series win over Dartmouth on April 26, 2026, keeping its Ivy League tournament hopes alive.
- Tomas Cernius hit a solo home run in the fourth inning to spark the Tigers’ offense, which exploded for five runs in the fifth.
- Justin Kim pitched six shutout innings, earning his fourth win of the season.
- The victory tightens the Gehrig Division race, with Princeton trailing Cornell by one game heading into the final series.
- The Tigers host Siena on April 29 before a pivotal three-game set against Cornell.