New Rochelle, NY - Rider scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning in a heartbreaking 6-5 defeat of the Iona College baseball team in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action at Salesian Field. Senior starter RHP Shane Sveda struck out a career-high 11 batters in the no-decision.

The Gaels scored twice in the first inning to take an early lead. With the bases loaded and one out, senior DH Allie Abbatiello crossed safely on a fielder's choice off the bat of sophomore RF Chris Leahy. Freshman 1B Chris Griffin drove in sophomore 2B Mike Walraven with a sacrifice fly.

Iona took a 3-0 lead in the third inning when Griffin doubled home sophomore LF Andrew Passerelle from second base.

Sveda allowed just two hits through the first six innings as he cruised along in the contest. Beginning with the final out in the fifth inning, the senior righty struck out six Broncs in a row. The last strikeout turned into an unearned run as LF Maurice Williams reached on a passed ball.

The Gaels got two insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh. Passerelle doubled into the left center field gap and Walraven and Abbatiello scored to make the score 5-1.

Sveda continue to baffle the Rider hitters in the eighth, striking out the first batter and going 0-2 on the second before an inside curveball hit leadoff hitter James Hayes. A walk, and a base hit loaded the bases with one out. 3B Mason Heyne worked the count to 3-and-2 before Sveda just missed with the curveball and the forced the second run home as a result of the walk. Senior RHP Shawn Walsh came in and shut the door, inducing a pop up to second base and a strikeout to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth, the Broncs put runners on first and second with no out. A base hit to the opposite field by reserve RF Nick Wojnowski scored the first run. An infield single off home plate by Hayes plated the second run. After a sacrifice bunt put the runners on second and third, 1B Sean Olson was walked intentionally. Walsh struck out PH Carlo Petrillo to get the second out in the inning. With the count at 0-and-2, Walsh's offering hit the dirt and skipped away from the Iona catcher allowing the tying run to score from third. On the attempt for the play at the plate, the ball skipped away into the Iona dugout and forced the in go-ahead run.

Sveda's line was 7.1 innings, five hits, two runs (one earned) with 11 strikeouts and two walks. Walsh (1-2) took the hard luck loss in relief. Senior CF Paul Salerno had two hits in the loss. Passerelle and Griffin drove in two runs a piece for the Gaels.

Rider RHP Mike Petrowski was effective over 6.2 innings striking out nine batters himself. LHP Mike Thomas (2-3) earned the win in relief before Hayes came in from the outfield to earn his sixth save. 2B Steve Galella was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored to lead the Broncs offensively.

The two teams look to complete the series tomorrow afternoon at Salesian Field. The first game of the doubleheader is slated for 12:00 pm.