ELON – Elon baseball dropped their only game of the Fairfield series Sunday in a 6-4 defeat to the Stags.
 
Jackson Alford delivered his first multi-RBI game of the 2026 season in the loss. Nate Sterling delivered his second multi-hit game of the season.
 
Cole Hansen had his best start as a Phoenix with six innings of work. Hansen went six innings, gave up two runs on four hits and struck out five batters.
 
Elon falls to 6-5 on the season while Fairfield improves to 1-7.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• For the second time in the series, the Stags got on the board first with a run in the 2^nd inning.
• Unlike Friday night, Elon would respond quickly. In the bottom of the 3^rd, Elon struck back with a pair of runs off the bat of Brian DuRoff. DuRoff laced a single to left which scored Henry Akopov before an error in left field allowed Alford to score from first.
• Hansen continued to deliver quick innings with his 4^th inning lasting only five pitches.
• The Stags tied the game in the 5^th inning with a solo home run to even the score at two.
• Fairfield regained the lead in the 8^th win a lone run. They expanded their lead in the 9^th with three runs to lengthen their lead to four.
• The Phoenix put up a fight in the bottom of the 9^th with a two-run single from Alford. Elon had two opportunities with the tying run at the plate but could not find another run. Fairfield finished off their first win of the season by the score of 6-4.

QUICK HITS

• Elon falls to 6-5 on the season.
• With the two wins during the weekend, Elon claimed their second consecutive, home weekend series win.
• Cole Hansen had his best outing of the season on Sunday. The starter went six innings and surrendered just two runs on four hits. Hansen struck out an Elon-high five batters.
• Mike Staiano continued his fine form despite earning the loss. Staiano struck out four batters Sunday, his second four strikeout performance of the season.
• Jackson Alford drove in a pair of runs on Sunday to go along with a run scored.
• Nate Sterling put together his second, multi-hit game of the season.
• Brian DuRoff singled and drove in a run in the loss.

 
 
UP NEXT
Elon heads to Chapel Hill for a game with North Carolina. First pitch between the Phoenix and Tar Heels will be at 4 PM.
 
SUPPORT THE PHOENIX
Fans can support Elon Athletics through the Phoenix Club.
 
STAY POSTED
For further coverage of Elon Baseball, follow the Phoenix on X and Instagram (@ElonBaseball).