Lehigh Sets Division I Record with Explosive First Inning.

Lehigh University’s baseball team made NCAA Division I history on April 14, 2026, by scoring 20 runs in the first inning during a dominant 38–6 victory over Coppin State. This unprecedented offensive surge established a new Division I record for the most runs scored in a single first inning. The inning began with eight Lehigh players reaching base and five runs scoring before Coppin State recorded its first out, prompting an early pitching change. The offensive momentum continued as the Mountain Hawks added 15 more runs prior to the second out. Notably, runs four through sixteen were driven in through walks, hit-by-pitches, and wild pitches, highlighting Coppin State’s struggles on the mound. The inning concluded with first baseman Owen Walewander hitting a grand slam to cap the scoring at 20 runs.

In total, Lehigh had 23 plate appearances in the inning, drawing 11 walks and being hit by pitches six times while recording only three hits. The previous Division I record for runs in a first inning was 18, set by Princeton and later matched by Air Force in 1974. Despite the achievement, Lehigh fell short of the overall record for most runs in any inning, which stands at 23. Additional records were set during the game, including a Patriot League record for total runs scored. Senior third baseman Aidan Quinn also set an NCAA mark by drawing seven walks in a single game. Lehigh finished with 12 hits, 25 walks, and nine hit batters, while Coppin State pitchers combined for 11 wild pitches. Although Coppin State managed to score one run in the bottom of the first inning, the game remained decisively in Lehigh’s favor throughout the shortened seven-inning contest.