NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College baseball team split a doubleheader with Fairleigh Dickinson in non-conference action at Salesian Field. Capped by junior 2B Nick Rossetti's three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, the Gaels took the opener 8-5. The Knights scored four times in their final at bat to win the nightcap 10-6.

The Maroon & Gold pounded out seven of their eight runs in the final three innings in the opener. Rossetti and senior LF Andrew Passerelle had two hits apiece and accounted for seven runs batted in between the two of them. Passerelle slammed two home runs in the game, a solo shot to lead off the fourth and a two-run home run in his next at bat in the fifth inning. Rookie CF Anthony Muccio also went yard. With two outs in the third inning the freshman leadoff hitter knocked his third home run of the season.

Freshman RHP Thomas Kriss (1-1) earned his first collegiate win. Kriss tossed 5.1 innings and allowed four runs on six hits with four strikeouts. Sophomore RHP Anthony Castellitto picked up his first collegiate save.

The Gaels fought back from a 6-2 deficit in game two, knotting the game at 6-6 in the sixth inning when sophomore C James Beck hit his second home run of the season to lead off the frame. The squad scored three times in the inning before, manufacturing three runs on three hits.

Four players had multiple hits for the Maroon & Gold: Passerelle, Beck and sophomores 3B Chris Burke and RF Colin Lyall. Burke slammed his second home run of the year to lead off the second inning.

Freshman RHP Ryan Martin (0-2) took the loss in relief.

Iona returns to action on Tuesday (Apr. 20) night when they travel to Metro area rival Fordham at 7:00 pm.