Dean had to overcome an early deficit when Emerson took a 3-0 lead in the third inning. Despite trailing, Dean's offense responded, starting with a run in the fourth inning. Nick Amendolara (Bayville, NY) drove-in Rylan Secovich (Southwick, MA) with a single, giving Dean their first run and cutting the deficit to 3-1.

The Bulldogs continued their comeback in the fifth, taking the lead with a two-run double from Secovich, scoring Colin Favata (Syosset, NY) and Jordan Almendarez (Las Vegas, NV). While this gave Dean a 5-3 advantage, Emerson wasn't done yet. In the sixth inning, Emerson responded with a two-run double, followed by a costly error that allowed an additional run to cross, pushing Emerson ahead 6-5.

In the eighth inning, Dean's persistence paid off. Luke Fahey (Glastonbury, CT) reached base on a fielder's choice, scoring Secovich from third, which tied the game at 6-6. With the momentum on their side, Dean exploded for two more runs in the eighth, with Tyler Giambra (Prospect, CT) Almendarez lead the charge on offense. This rally in the eighth ultimately secured the 8-6 win for Dean. Giambra came-in to pitch in the bottom of the eighth, shutting the door on the Lions and landing the victory.

Secovich had an impressive game, contributing with a double and two RBIs. Almendarez led Dean in hits, finishing the day 2-3 with a run and RBI. Four total Bulldogs (Giambra, Amendolara, Favata, Secovich) finished with one hit apiece. Fahey also finished the day with one RBI.

Dylan Catania earned his first win of the season for Dean, pitching in relief and keeping Emerson off the board in critical moments. Tyler Giambra picked up the save, cementing Dean's victory. 

The Bulldogs return to action on Saturday, with a double-header at Albertus Magnus scheduled for 3&6PM. Both games will be played at Hamden High School. Game one is a nine-inning, Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup, and game two will be a seven-inning, non-conference game.