Historic Baseball Doubleheader Ends Lehmans Streak, Yeshiva Suffers 100 Losses

TEANECK, N.J. — A significant chapter in college baseball unfolded Tuesday as the Lehman College Lightning ended their 42-game losing streak with a thrilling 7-6 extra-innings victory over the Yeshiva University Maccabees in the first game of a non-conference doubleheader.

This hard-fought contest also marked Yeshiva’s heartbreaking 100th consecutive loss. However, the Maccabees redeemed themselves in the second game, winning 9-5 and snapping the longest active losing streak in college baseball.

The Maccabees, now 1-19 this season, last celebrated a victory on May 9, 2023, against the John Jay Bloodhounds. Prior to Tuesday, Lehman had not experienced a win since a game against the same opponent.

In the first game, Yeshiva held a 6-4 lead with just three outs left to secure a victory. However, the Lightning rallied as Brandon Deynes hit a crucial two-run double to tie the game in the seventh inning. Elijah Fermin’s hit by pitch with the bases loaded in the eighth provided the go-ahead run for Lehman, leading to their first win in 1,136 days.

While Yeshiva fell short in the opener, they showed resilience in the nightcap. Jake Arnow and Noah Steinmetz each contributed two RBIs, with Steinmetz stepping in as a pitcher to secure the final two outs, clinching the victory.

Tuesday’s doubleheader, held at Fairleigh Dickinson University‘s campus, drew notable attention. Some commentators referred to the first game as “statistically the worst baseball game of all time,” considering the two teams’ long losing streaks.

Despite their recent streak, Yeshiva’s continued losses do not surpass the NCAA record of 228 consecutive defeats held by Caltech from 2003 to 2013. Still, the Maccabees are likely to be remembered for their unique achievement in reaching the century mark.

Prior to this event, Zeke Warren-Weigmann, the athletic department spokesperson for Yeshiva, declined to comment on the streak specifics, stating, “The university has made the call from above myself, and above the AD, that we’re not going to comment on the schedule.”

Lehman’s athletic director, Ryan McCarthy, expressed confidence in his team’s potential despite the struggles. “We are certain we can turn our program around,” McCarthy stated. “He has been hard at work in identifying and obtaining commitments from prospective student-athletes, laying the groundwork for future success while setting a culture on our current roster.”

Delgado, the Lightning’s current coach, acknowledged the emotional toll of a long losing streak but noted the team’s commitment to improvement. “Being on a losing streak is tough, especially a lengthy one, as many people will measure success by the number of tallies in the win column,” Delgado said. “However, results don’t determine the type of program that we have. With the new coaching turnover, we’re rebuilding a program that’s establishing a strong foundation of excellence and integrity.”