NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College baseball team earned a doubleheader split with
Canisius in MAAC action at Salesian Field. Sophomore LHP Brian Callahan turned in his second straight complete game in MAAC play
tossing nine innings and allowing six hits in the win rookie DH Colin Lyall drove in three runs to lead the Gaels..
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fourth, the Gaels finally solved Canisius starter Alex MacKenzie. Sophomore 1B Chris Griffin got on to lead off in the inning when he beat out a slow roller to third base for an infield hit. Two batters later rookie CF Dean Dignelli singled to centerfield on a ball that was misplayed in the outfield. Griffin raced around to score and Dignelli advanced to third. Lyall found an open space in right field to pick up an RBI and give the Gaels a 2-1 lead.
In the fifth, junior 3B Nick Rossetti blasted his third home run of the season to the left of the scoreboard in right field to lead off the frame. Junior LF Andrew Passerelle scored three batters later after reaching on a walk and advancing to second on a failed double steal attempt. Griffin drove in Paserelle with a base hit to right field. Rookie 2B Chris Burke found a hole to put two runners on. With two out, Lyall struck again, doubling to right field and driving in two batters to give Iona a 6-1 lead after five innings.
Canisius tacked on a run in the eighth inning to finish the scoring in the game.
Callahan tossed nine innings, allowed six hits, just one earned run while striking out two four batters and walking four in the 126 pitch effort.
Capowski, Griffin and Lyall each had two hits in the win. Lyall doubled his season RBI out put with three.
In game two, the Maroon & Gold could not solve sophomore LHP Shane Davis who allowed one hit in the contest. Rookie 3B Matthew Simone got on to lead off the third inning with a single. Burke took the loss.
The Gaels and Griffs complete the three-game series tomorrow afternoon with a nine-inning contest slated for noon. Please note the start time could be delayed due to overnight rain forecast for the tri-state area.
