Fishkill, NY (May 27, 2004)- Josh Greco blasted a two-run homer to left to put the Jaspers ahead, 3-2 in the top of the eighth as third-seeded Manhattan defeated second-seeded Niagara, 7-2 today in the opening game of the MAAC Championships played at Dutchess County Stadium. Josh Santerre allowed just one earned run in the win.
The Jaspers got on the board first, as John Fitzpatrick drove home Matt Cucurullo in the top of the second with an RBI single.
Niagara scored single runs in the third and fourth to take a 2-1 lead, which lasted until the top of the eigth, until Greco put Manhattan ahead for good plating Frank Cappello ahead of him. The Jaspers continued their two out rally with consecutive singles by John Maser and Nick Derba before Gary Diaz doubled them both home to give Manhattan a 5-2 lead.
In the top of the ninth, Greco singled home Cucurullo with an RBI single, and Maser singled home Cappello with an RBI single.
Greco (3-4, 3 RBI) was one of five Jaspers with multi-hit games; joining him was Diaz (3-5, 2 RBI), Cucurullo (3-5), Cappello (2-3), and Maser (3-5, RBI).
Cucurullo's three hits moved him past Wendell Anderson for the all-time lead in Manhattan's career hit list. He now how 203 for his career. In addition, Fitzpatrick's RBI single made his the 21st member of Manhattan's 100-hit club.
Santerre (7-4) went 7.2 innings, striking out eight. Chris Cody went the final 1.1 innings with two strikeouts to pick up his first collegiate save.
Manhattan advances to the winner's bracket and will play the winner of the LeMoyne/Marist game tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.