JOHNSON CITY, TN – The Iona College baseball program dropped its second game of the season Saturday afternoon. The Gaels full up short against the East Tennessee Bucs, 14-3.

GAME SUMMARY

The Maroon & Gold took the early lead with three runs in the top of the first inning. Seniors Fran Kinsey and Niko Switalla reached base on a walk and hit by pitch. Sophomore Sam Punzi singled to left field, driving home Kinsey for the first run. Freshman Jake Field drove home Gael runs for a second straight day with a double to clear the bases of Punzi and Switalla.
 
The Bucs first scored in the top of the second inning and then broke it open with six runs in the third. The Maroon & Gold had chances to score in the middle innings but were unsuccessful, stranding three runners on base. ETSU closed out with three more in the seventh and a four-spot in the eighth.
 
Iona finished the game with six hits and 10 runners on base. The Gaels went hitless over the last three innings.

NOTABLE NUGGETS

• Junior Mario Ferraioli was written on the lineup card as the starting pitcher but had to leave the game during warmup tosses. Rookie Drew Helmstetter replaced him and began the bottom of the first.
• Senior Joe DeMaio had a team-high two hits. Four Gaels had one hit each.
• Iona used three pitchers after Helmstetter started; freshman Hunter Sibley, junior Henry Conroy and sophomore Michael DeSanti.

UP NEXT

Iona plays its final game against the Bucs tomorrow afternoon. First pitch from Thomas Stadium is set for 1 p.m. and fans can follow live stats.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Be sure to follow Iona College athletics on all social media platforms:
ICGaels: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)
Iona Baseball: Twitter and YouTube (Email Updates)

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