Annandale-on-Hudson, NY — The Plattsburgh State Cardinals continued their strong start to the 2026 season on Saturday afternoon, exploding for 24 runs in a dominant 24–4 non-conference victory over Vermont State Castleton.
The Cardinals entered the contest looking to remain hot following last weekend's season-opening doubleheader sweep over Vassar. Plattsburgh once again traveled to Bard College to host the neutral-site matchup against Castleton, a program the Cardinals entered the day with a 16–21 all-time record against after falling to the Spartans last season.
Plattsburgh wasted little time getting on the board in the top of the first inning. After a pair of Castleton errors allowed runners to reach base, junior Austin Caldwell (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) delivered a triple to right field that brought home two runs. Junior Frankie Kowal (Shrub Oak, N.Y./Lakeland) followed with an RBI single to extend the early advantage and give the Cardinals a 3–0 lead.
Castleton responded in the bottom of the second inning, pushing across three runs to tie the game at 3–3, thanks to an RBI walk from Joe Castellano, a sacrifice fly by Tommie Shaw, and a run that scored on a passed ball.
Plattsburgh quickly regained control in the top of the third when senior Ryan Hart (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) singled to center field, bringing home Caldwell to restore the Cardinals' lead at 4–3. The Cardinals then broke the game open with a four-run fourth inning. RBI singles from senior Colin Ross (Mastic Beach, N.Y./William Floyd) and Caldwell were followed by a two-run single from Kowal, pushing the advantage to 8–3.
The offense continued to roll in the fifth as Plattsburgh plated six more runs. Junior Michael Piccirillo (Glen Cove, N.Y./Glen Cove) highlighted the inning with a two-run double to left-center, while Caldwell added a sacrifice fly and junior Tyler Martin (New Windsor, N.Y./Newburgh Free Academy) drove in a run with an RBI single.
The Cardinals never looked back, adding runs in each of the final four innings to pull away. Plattsburgh finished the afternoon with 24 runs on 24 hits, led by several standout performances at the plate. Caldwell went 3-for-5 with three RBI and a triple, Kowal recorded three hits and three RBI, and Piccirillo added three hits, four runs scored, and two RBI. Ross and junior Ian Warren (Esopus, N.Y./Highland) also contributed two RBI apiece as the Cardinals' lineup produced runs throughout the order.
On the mound, junior Jack Castillo (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) earned the win for Plattsburgh, improving to 2–0 on the season after striking out 10 batters over five innings while allowing two earned runs. The Cardinals' bullpen combined to finish the final four innings, allowing just one run while preserving the victory.
With the win, the Cardinals remain unbeaten and improve to 3–0 on the season. Plattsburgh will return to action tomorrow for a road doubleheader against Purchase, with first pitch scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
