DURHAM, NC – A seven-run seventh inning helped the Iona College baseball team secure a 12-6 win in game two of a three-game series at North Carolina Central, moving to 2-0 on the season.

Leading 5-4 entering the top of the seventh inning, the Gaels (2-0) rallied to increase the margin with seven runs on six hits. Sean Scales broke the game open with a bases loaded clearing, one out double down the left field line. The shortstop scored in the next at-bat on a Tyler Bruno single to make it 9-4 before an RBI single from Matt Bryne and two-RBI double by Fran Kinsey capped off the rally.

Freshman Corey Joyce looked to give life to the host Eagles (2-4) with a two-run homerun in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, however, Jake Kurz came on to close out the victory by with a fly ball to left field.

Kinsey posted a 4-for-5 game for the Maroon & Gold to go along with three runs and two RBI. Byrne also scored three times to go with two walks, a hit and a RBI while Scales netted a team-best four RBI. Seth Hoagland added two hits and two RBI as Iona matched 12 runs with 12 hits and 12 RBI.

Kyle Ackley earned the victory with just one out recorded, a fly out to end the fourth inning in relief of starting pitcher Patrick Ryan. Ryan struck out five in 3.2 innings of work.

Iona scored in the opening inning with a sacrifice fly from Lou Matarazzo and a RBI single by Hoagland. North Carolina Central cut the deficit in half in the second inning before claiming the lead in the fourth with two runs on three hits.

In the following half inning, the Gaels regained the lead with three separate RBI at-bats from Niko Switalla, Hoagland and Scales. The Eagles added a run in the sixth before the seven-run seventh for the Maroon & Gold.

Iona looks to complete the three-game series sweep tomorrow afternoon with a 1:00 pm start in Durham.