OMAHA, NEB. — One day after being run-ruled by Michigan in its opening game of the Big Ten Baseball Tournament, Rutgers showed far more fight in Wednesday’s elimination matchup against the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes. But despite a stronger offensive showing, the Scarlet Knights came up just short in a 3-2 loss that ended their 2026 season at Charles Schwab Field.
Rutgers managed six hits after being limited to just one the day prior, battling throughout a tightly contested game that remained within reach until the final out. Ohio State, meanwhile, did just enough offensively to survive and advance to the qualification round of the tournament.
The Scarlet Knights close the 2026 campaign with a 26-29 overall record, including a 13-17 mark in Big Ten Conference play.
Ohio State struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning when SS Henry Kaczmar launched a solo home run to right field off Rutgers RHP Zack Konstantino, giving the Buckeyes an early 1-0 lead.
Rutgers answered in the sixth inning with its most productive offensive frame of the afternoon. CF Chase Krewson came around to score after a fielder’s choice RBI from 1B Ryan Jaros tied the game at 1-1. Moments later, the Scarlet Knights grabbed a brief 2-1 advantage when SS Yomar Carreras reached on an Ohio State fielding error, allowing C Matt Chatelle to score an unearned run.
For a moment, it appeared Rutgers had seized momentum.
Ohio State quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning. RF Noah Furcht delivered an RBI single up the middle off Rutgers LHP Joe Mazza, scoring LF Alex Bemis and evening the game at 2-2.
The decisive blow came in the eighth inning when 1B Dane Harvey ripped an RBI double to left-center field, bringing home Alex Bemis once again and giving Ohio State the eventual game-winning run.
Rutgers threatened late but could not manufacture the tying run, ending the Scarlet Knights’ stay in Omaha and bringing the season to a close.
While the year ended shy of an NCAA Tournament berth, Rutgers showed resilience after a difficult opening-round loss and leaned heavily on veteran leadership throughout the season. Wednesday’s game also marked the final collegiate appearance for a large senior class that helped guide the program through multiple Big Ten campaigns.
That senior group included catcher Matt Chatelle, left-handed pitcher Jordan Saviñon, catcher Trey Wells, outfielder Tommy Kendrick, right-handed pitchers Jason Masick, Pablo Santos, Nolan Peel, Zach Gleason, and Jacob Pedersen, utility player Quinten Perilli, and left-handed pitcher Justin MacCormack.
Their departures now signal the beginning of a new era for the Scarlet Knights program as Rutgers looks toward reloading its roster heading into 2027.
Players to Watch for in the 2026 MLB Draft
Even with the season over, Rutgers will remain represented in draft conversations over the coming months, led by standout outfielder Peyton Bonds.
The 6-foot-5 draft-eligible junior and nephew of MLB home run king Barry Bonds has emerged as Rutgers’ premier prospect entering the 2026 MLB Draft. Bonds is currently listed No. 76 among MLB Pipeline’s Top 150 Draft Prospects and has gained national attention for his rare blend of power, speed, and bat-to-ball ability.
Bonds possesses some of the highest recorded exit velocities in college baseball this season, including a double clocked at 120.7 mph. His athleticism in center field combined with his offensive upside has made him one of the more intriguing college bats in this year’s class.
Additional players who generated draft buzz throughout the season included infielder Charlie Meglio and outfielder Chase Krewson.
Infielder Charlie Meglio, a transfer from Campbell Fighting Camels baseball, entered the season as a Big Ten Preseason Player to Watch and brought immediate impact to the Scarlet Knights lineup.
Outfielder Chase Krewson, a transfer with previous experience at Duke Blue Devils baseball and UCF Knights baseball, also drew attention throughout the year for his veteran presence and collegiate experience in the Rutgers outfield.
