Previewing NC State’s Opponent: Fordham

NC State will kick off their 2025 baseball season today in a three-game series with Fordham, featuring a double-header today and a third game tomorrow. Before they run out onto Doak Field, here’s a preview of the Rams.

Last year, Fordham was 19-33 overall, and 10-14 in the Atlantic 10, finishing 10th in the conference (out of 12). In the Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll, the Rams were picked to finish 11th. Fordham is looking for their first winning season since 2021.

The Rams have 17 new players on their roster in 2025.

Junior third baseman Daniel Bucciero is the best player in the Rams’ lineup, with D1Baseball ranking him as the #42 third baseman heading into the 2025 season. Through two seasons, Bucciero has a .313 batting average, a .408 on-base percentage, and an .898 OPS. Last season, he had career highs in doubles (15), RBIs (36), and stolen bases (17). He earned 2nd Team All-Atlantic 10 honors last season.

Senior outfielder Cian Sahler also returns after leading the Rams with a .323 batting average. He set a school record last year with a 22-game hitting streak.

Junior Aric Berg is expected to be Fordham’s starter in Game 1. Berg, a reliever turned starter, made 25 appearances last season, including one start, posting a 6.00 ERA and striking out 52 in 48 innings. Although his record was 5-6, Berg ranked second on the team in wins. His five saves were tops on the Rams.

Junior catcher Tommy McAndrews had a down year in 2024, after shining as a freshman the year before. In 2023, McAndrews hit .279 with 8 home runs and a .519 slugging percentage. Last year, he only hit .224.

Graduate middle infielder Reid Lapekas transferred in from Vassar College (D-III) this offseason. Last year, he hit .394, and the year before he hit .432, earning All-Liberty League First Team honors. Graduate transfer Jack Brennan (Bates College) earned Second Team All-NESCAC honors, hitting .324 with 15 stolen bases.

Sophomore Aidan Dowd is expected to get the nod in Game 2. Last year, Dowd was impressive in his freshman season, leading the Rams with a 3.77 ERA. His 14 starts were tied for the team lead, holding opposing batters to a .227 batting average and striking out 49 batters in 45.1 innings. Dowd earned a spot on the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team last year. Graduate transfer Mike Rabayda is expected to close out the series for the Rams tomorrow. Last year, Rabayda was 7-2, with a 3.41 ERA, striking out 79 batters in 66 innings. He was the Centennial Conference Pitcher of the Year.