Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Jaspers' freshman Chad Salem blasted the decisive grand slam in the 11th inning of game one leading Manhattan (23-18-1, 12-5) to a 6-2 victory over Marist (18-22, 7-10) this afternoon in Poughkeepsie. Sophomore starter Mike Gazzola secured the doubleheader sweep of the Red Foxes with a complete game shutout in the second contest earning a 3-0 win on the road. Manhattan senior outfielder Eric Nieto went 3-for-7 from the plate over the doubleheader, and connected on his 200th career hit becoming just the seventh Jasper in program history to achieve this milestone.
In game one, Manhattan erased a one run deficit in the top of the sixth inning by scoring twice to take a 2-1 advantage. Eric Nieto reached base with a lead off single on a bunt down the third base line, and eventually scored on a fielding error two batters later.
Senior Dom Lombardi drove in the second run of the inning with a double to left field which propelled Kevin Nieto around the diamond.
In the bottom of the sixth, Marist responded when freshman outfielder Michael Gallic evened the ballgame at 2-2 with a RBI double. It marked his only hit of the contest.
Jaspers' sophomore right-hander Tom Moran relieved starter Tom Costigan in the seventh with the Red Foxes pressing. Moran took care of business by striking out Andrew Stanton to get out of the inning after inheriting a bases loaded two out jam.
Costigan pitched six and two thirds efficient innings, allowed just two runs and fanned six batters.
In the top of the 11th, Salem delivered what proved to be the dagger when he sent his seventh home run of the season over the left field wall clearing the bases. The blast gave Manhattan a 6-2 advantage.
Moran pitched his way out of a slight jam in the bottom half of the inning to wrap up the ballgame. He allowed just one hit over four and one third innings of action, while also striking out five leading to his second win of the season.
In game two, Gazzola was dominant on the hill allowing just seven hits in the first complete game shutout of his collegiate career. He struck out five and walked just two batters for his second win of the season.
The Jaspers broke a scoreless ball game with a three run sixth inning thanks in part to a two RBI triple from Kevin Nieto. With the hit, Nieto moved into sole possession of second place on the program's career triples list with eight. He stands just one behind Wendell Anderson '02.
Kevin Nieto later scored on a Red Foxes' error to put Manhattan on top 3-0.
Gazzola shut down Marist retiring the side in both the sixth and seventh innings ensuring the doubleheader sweep.
Jaspers' freshman Mark Onorati continued his hot streak going 3-for-6 from the plate this afternoon, and scoring two runs.
The squads return to action tomorrow afternoon for the final contest of the three game series. First pitch will be tossed at noon at McCann Baseball Field.
