Duke Hosts Appalachian State in First Midweek Clash of the Season
DURHAM, N.C. - After a strong opening weekend, Duke baseball is back in action Tuesday afternoon, welcoming Appalachian State to Jack Coombs Field for its first midweek test of the 2026 season. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. ET, with the game streaming live on ACC Network Extra.
The Blue Devils (3-1) are coming off a solid start to the year, having taken three of four from Maine in a pair of doubleheaders. And while it’s early, the pitching staff already looks dialed in-limiting opponents to just eight total runs across four games.
Tuesday’s matchup marks the 12th meeting between Duke and App State, with the Blue Devils holding an 8-3 edge in the all-time series. On the mound, Duke will hand the ball to freshman right-hander Jordan Regulski, who’s set to make his collegiate debut. Appalachian State counters with righty Caleb Marks.
Before the game, fans will get a special treat as Duke women’s basketball standout Taina Mair throws out the ceremonial first pitch. Parking is free in the Science Drive Garage, and fans should note that all grandstand tickets are reserved seating. Berm tickets allow access to the grassy areas flanking the grandstand but do not include a seat.
Opening Weekend Recap: Pitching Sets the Tone
Duke’s pitching depth was on full display during the opening weekend. The staff combined for 38 strikeouts over four games and gave up just eight runs-a promising sign for a program looking to make noise in the ACC this season.
Sophomore Ben Dean was a standout, delivering a lights-out performance in Game 3. Dean tossed five shutout innings, striking out nine and allowing just one hit-a double to the second batter he faced. It was a dominant outing that earned him his first win in a Duke uniform and showed why he could be a key piece in the rotation moving forward.
Aidan Weaver got the nod on Opening Day and gave Duke exactly what it needed. The junior went five innings, allowed just two runs, and struck out four to earn the win. Jack Hedrick followed suit in the series finale, throwing four strong innings with five strikeouts and just one hit allowed to secure the Blue Devils’ third victory of the weekend.
New Faces Making Early Noise
Offensively, Duke didn’t waste time integrating its new pieces. Junior Cider Canon, a transfer from Davidson, made an immediate impact.
He hit .385 over the four-game stretch and launched his first home run as a Blue Devil. His 1.171 OPS speaks to how comfortable he looked at the plate, and his versatility-logging time at catcher, right field, and designated hitter-adds a valuable layer to Duke’s lineup flexibility.
Then there’s freshman Brooks Perez, who took full advantage of his opportunity after stepping in for the injured Nolan Johnson during Game 2. In just three appearances, Perez posted a staggering 2.050 OPS, thanks to a home run, a single, five walks, and a hit-by-pitch. Not a bad way to introduce yourself to college baseball.
What to Watch Tuesday
While it’s early in the season, midweek games like this one offer a glimpse into a team’s depth-especially on the mound. All eyes will be on Regulski as he makes his debut, and Duke will be looking to keep the momentum rolling before diving deeper into its non-conference slate.
With the bats already showing life and the arms looking sharp, the Blue Devils have a chance to build on a promising start. Appalachian State will bring its own challenges, but if Duke continues to execute the way it did over the weekend, Tuesday could be another step forward for a team that’s starting to find its rhythm.
Duke vs. Appalachian State
🕓 4 p.m. ET | 📍 Jack Coombs Field | 📺 ACC Network Extra
Starting Pitchers:
Duke - RHP Jordan Regulski (debut)
Appalachian State - RHP Caleb Marks