STATEN ISLAND, NY — The Iona University Baseball team fell late to Wagner after two big innings for the Seahawks. The Gaels lead by a score of 10-1 through three, but would give up seven runs in the bottom of the third inning. Iona would hold onto this lead until the eighth inning, when they would give up four runs and go down 13-10. Wagner pitching would make it interesting letting the Gaels bring the tying run to the plate for sophomore
Jc Frias, but a field would end the game.
Sophomore
Jordan Overton led the game in hits and RBIs, four and three respectively. Freshman
Danny Onorato got the start and was strong through his first three innings. A combination of eight Gael pitchers would finish off the rest of the way giving up eight runs on seven hits and nine walks.
Game Summary
Iona took a commanding lead early, scoring all ten of their runs in the first three innings. The first inning started with junior Damian Rodriguez working a walk, followed by Frias beating the throw for an infield single. A well planned double steal would score the first run, before Overton would slap a single to left and score the second. Iona would strand two men on base, but after a quick bottom half from Onorato the bats were looking to add on. Senior Matt Wessels doubled to right and Frias would walk. This set up Overton and graduate student James Kemp to hit back-to-back RBI doubles. Wagner would get one run back in the bottom half, but the Maroon & gold were up 5-1.
Top of the third started off with freshman Sean Stephenson earning a walk, before graduate student Jayson Gonzalez tripled him home. The success would continue as freshman Andrew Lenski would walk and Wessels would double in Gonzalez moving Lenski to third. Frias again would walk to load the bases with only one out, Kemp would walk in a run setting up junior Anthony Zollo for a two-run single.
In the bottom of the fourth, it all went south for Iona. Wagner would get seven runs on five walks and three walks. Starter Onorato was pulled for senior Carl Kuentzel who tried to limit the damage as best he could. Junior Tyler Lender would throw a clean fourth inning passing it off to senior Matt Zguro, who just like Lender blanked the Seahawks. Sophomore Saul Mata walked the first two batters he saw before striking out the next batter. He would give up a run on a passed ball before being relieved by junior Nick Chiaia. Chiaia would get out of the inning with a double play after walking his first batter to load the bases.
Sophomore Kyle Hard was given the eighth inning and would allow three runs after only getting one out. Both seniors Joey Kasper and Ronald Rockey would be called upon in the inning each only recording one out. In the top of the ninth, the Gaels showed signs of a potential comeback. Lenski would knock a double down the left field line and Rodriguez advanced him and reached on an error. Frias would come up with a chance to tie the ballgame, but would fly out to center field.
Hard was tagged with the loss, his first of the season, while Wagner's Cunnigham was given the win.
TEAM STATS
- Iona just edged Wagner in strikeouts, 10-9
- Hits as well were separated by one, 12-11 in favor of the Maroon & Gold
- Each club stranded ten men on base
- Wagner managed 13 walks to the Gaels seven
- Both teams recorded just one error
- The Seahawks stole five bags while Iona only stole two.
notable nuggets
- Overton managed another four hit game, his second of the season.
- Zguro managed his second straight scoreless outing.
- The Gaels needed nine pitchers to get through eight innings.
- Frias again drew two walks, bringing his season total to 20.
Up Next
The Gaels continue their long road trip with a three game series at Seton Hall. Game one is Friday, March 21 with first pitch at 4 p.m. at Carroll Field.
