NEW ROCHELLE, NY – A late comeback effort by the Gaels wasn't enough on Wednesday afternoon as the visiting Stony Brook Seawolves earned an 11-7 decision at City Park.

GAME SUMMARY

The Maroon & Gold fell behind Stony Brook 9-0 after the first three innings. The first seven runs scored by the Seawolves were unearned. The Gaels began the game committing two fielding blunders. A third miscue occurred in the second. Iona's starter Chris Dodrill went the opening two innings and allowed eight hits against the 16 batters he faced. Sophomore Quentin Crudo tossed the third inning and surrendered two earned runs on one hit and two walks.
 
Stony Brook expanded its lead to double digits in the top of the fifth inning. Following a fourth fielding error, Stony Brook shortstop Nike Grande scored on a sacrifice fly from Michael Wilson. Iona scored its first run in the home half of the fifth with a two out rally. Rookie Will Jennings and senior Fran Kinsey had back-to-back singles to centerfield, setting the table for senior Niko Switalla. Iona's left fielder hit a deep double to left center that hopped over the over the fence. Kinsey was forced to remain on third while Jennings scored. Iona ended up loading the bases but stranded all three runners with junior Stephen Furman striking out on a full count.
 
The Seawolves scored its final run in the top of the seventh inning. Johnny Decker scored on a fielder's choice grounded into by Brandon Janofsky. Iona tallied two runs after the seventh-inning stretch on no hits. Sophomore Sam Punzi and Furman earned RBI with free passes while the Gaels had loaded bases
 
For a third straight inning, the Maroon & Gold filled the pond in the eighth. Iona inched its way closer and made it a ballgame with four runs on four hits. After Switalla had drawn a five-pitch RBI walk to bring home sophomore Michael Gorman, Furman stepped up to the plate with two outs and the bases for a third time. The first basemen took advantage of an advantageous 3-1 count and blasted a bases clearing triple to left center.
 
Stony Brook made a pitching change following the three-bagger. Connor Clark came on and closed it out for the Seawolves getting the last four outs.
 
Grande had three hits, three runs and a stolen base for Stony Brook. He reached base in all six of his plate appearances. Wilson had four runs batted in on two hits. Brandon Alamo and John Tucillo each had two hits. Ben Fero got the winning decision going the middle two fifth and sixth innings.
 
Kinsey and Jennings each had two hits in four at-bats. They combined to score five run. Rookie Jake Field, Furman, Gorman and Switalla all had one hit. Switalla also walked three times.

NOTABLE NUGGETS

• Iona drew a season-best 10 walks. All but one Gael batter drew at-least one free pass.
• The Gaels have struck out 10+ times in three straight games and five of their last six. Prior to this last stretch of games, Iona had just four games with double-digit strikeouts.
• Iona's seven runs scored is its most since Mar. 19 at LIU Brooklyn.
• The Maroon & Gold tied a season-high with four fielding errors. It also had four errors on Mar 19 in their road loss to the Blackbirds.
• Furman ended a 0-13 hitting skid with his RBI triple in the eighth inning. His four runs batted in is a new career-high.
• Junior Jason Antalek, junior Henry Conroy and junior James Sharkey appeared on the mound for the Gaels following Dodrill & Crudo.

UP NEXT

The Maroon & Gold return to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action this upcoming weekend against the Manhattan. The Gaels play two on Saturday and one on Sunday at Dutchess Stadium. You can follow the game via live stats.

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