Game Summary

Iona would get the first of their three double plays in the top of the first as graduate student James Kemp would step on first and make a strong throw to Mora to apply the tag and end the inning. Mount would strike first in the top of the second though as back-to-back singles put runners on the corners. The Gaels again would force a double play six-four-three, but allow the run to score. In the bottom half, the Maroon & Gold had a chance with bases loaded but would fail to score a run.

Sophomore starter Brendan Callanan would remain strong and work out of trouble in the third, before Iona's bats would wake up. Rodriguez led off with a single followed by sophomore Jc Frias working a walk. With one out, red hot Kemp would smash a double down the left field line and give Iona a 2-1 lead. Two batters later, Mitchell would crush the ball deep to center field adding two more to the Gaels lead. Mitchell's first home run of the season and first extra base hit of his Iona career.

Mount again would respond with back-to-back singles and a successful run scoring double steal attempt, cutting the lead to 4-2 Gaels. With two runners on, Mount's Even Meier smashed a ball to right field, but Wessels made a diving play to spark Iona and get out of the jam. The Maroon & Gold would get that run back after Mora singled with one out and Rodriguez worked a walk. Frias would advance Mora on a fly ball, before he scored on a wild pitch.

Callanan worked his way through some fifth inning trouble. With two runners on, the third double play of the game for the Gaels saw Mount strand another runner in scoring position. Mount in the bottom of the sixth would find their final run of the game as a one out double and ground out, put a runner on third who would get driven in on an infield single. Mount would ultimately end up stranding two more runners on base as Callanan would get a massive strikeout to end the inning.

Callanan exited for Mata to start the seventh inning. Mata struck out the first batter he faced before a walk and single. He would again help the Gaels to strand runners as he earned back-to-back swinging strikeouts. Mata returned for the top of the eighth, but would only get two outs before giving up a two out double putting two runners in scoring position for Mount. Kuentzel entered the game and on his second pitch, he forced an inning ending ground out holding the lead at 5-3.

Rodriguez in the bottom of the eighth showcased his speed. Singling up the middle and advancing to third on a failed pick off, set him up to score on a balk to push the lead to 6-3. Kasper would take the mound in the top of the ninth in a save situation and dominate. Needing only ten pitches to finish off Mount and secure a series win and second straight win.

Callanan earned his first win of the season and first of his college career, moving his record to 1-2. Kasper as well earned his first career save. Mount's Eli DeRossi was tagged with the loss, his first of the year.

TEAM STATS

• Each club recorded nine strikeouts.
• Mount totaled 13 hits, compared to the Gaels seven.
• The Maroon & Gold had another defensive display with zero errors, while the Mountaineers tallied two.
• Iona recorded three double plays.
• The Mountaineers stole the only base of the game on one attempt.

notable nuggets

• "Braizing the Roof" Mitchell's first home run of the year was apart of their four run third inning.
• Rodriguez tallied his fourth three hit game, and second in a row.
• Frias worked another two walks, bringing his season total to 18.
• Gaels bullpen combined for three scoreless innings.

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