MEDFORD, MA (May 11, 2026) – The Tufts University baseball duo of
James Henshon and
Cole Donato were recognized today by the NESCAC after the Jumbos took home their eighth conference title this past weekend. Shortstop
James Henshon earned Player of the Week, while
Cole Donato was named Pitcher of the Week.
Tufts held an undefeated record in three NESCAC tournament games over the weekend (May 8-10) hosted by Trinity (Conn.) College's Murren Family Field. The Jumbos scored double-digit runs in all three contests as their offense has been a noticeable strength all season. After sweeping Hamilton in the Quarterfinal round, Tufts went on to defeat Middlebury in Game 1, Trinity (Conn.) in Game 4, and Amherst in Game 6 with an average scoring margin of eight runs.
Henshon stepped up in key moments all weekend long, batting at an even .500 clip (6-for-12) with eight runs scored and eight RBI. In Game 4 against Trinity (Conn.), the sophomore was 2-for-5 at the dish with three RBI and three runs scored. Henshon arguably had his best game of the season in the Title clinching game against Amherst, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two triples, a double, three walks, and four RBI to help the Jumbos secure the conference title.
Donato nabbed his eighth and ninth wins of the season with a start in the opening game of the weekend against Middlebury and a critical relief appearance in the title clinching victory over Amherst. The senior struck out four batters, while allowing just one earned run in eight complete innings on the hill to guide Tufts to a 14-7 win over Middlebury. In a back-and-forth battle against Amherst in Game 6, Donato came out of the pen for the first time this season and allowed one earned run on two hits in 2.2 innings pitched. The offense capitalized and stretched their lead during Donato's time on the bump as the Jumbos cruised to their eighth conference title in program history.
This is the team's first NESCAC weekly pitching honor this season and the first of Donato's career. This is the first career Player of the Week selection for Hesnhon and third for the squad as
Tate Bannish earned the nomination on April 6 and
Jack Kamin picked up the award on April 27.
Head Coach
Bryan Stark, in his second season, has led the Jumbos to a 30-9 record so far and earned an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament and will host a Regional Round at Sol Gittleman Park this weekend (May 15-17) where they will take on Mitchell College in Game 1 on Friday.
--JUMBOS--
