HAMDEN, CT — The Iona Gaels battled against the Quinnipiac Bobcats in the final game of the series but fell short, 12-3, on Sunday afternoon. The Gaels fell behind early, going down ten runs in the first two innings. This margin proved to be enough for Quinnipiac as strong starting pitching helped them throughout the series. While the game might not have went the Gaels way, a solid seventh inning putting up three runs showcased freshman
Andrew Lenski collecting his first career base hit, a double into left field scoring two runs.
Again the Gaels bullpen were able to eat up a bulk of the innings, freshman
Danny Onorato went three and a third scoreless allowing no base runners and striking out four. Graduate student
Joseph Bekios in his first outing went a scoreless inning as well.
Game Summary
Quinnipiac struck early, putting up four runs in the first inning, but the Gaels looked to settle in defensively. Junior Damian Rodriguez and sophomore Jc Frias each reached base in the early innings as Iona worked to generate offense.
The Bobcats capitalized on a big second inning, extending their lead with six runs. Sophomore Brendan Callanan took the mound for the Gaels and worked through the early challenges, while Iona's defense adjusted to keep Quinnipiac from pulling further away. Onorato stepped up in a big way for the Gaels as he would end the second on a fly out, striking out the side for the bottom of the third, and was able to give back-to-back shutdown innings.
The Gaels found their offensive rhythm in the seventh inning, pushing across three runs to stay in the game. Sophomore Jordan Overton sparked the rally by reaching base on an error, he would advance to third when junior Anthony Zollo singled to left field. With two outs, Lenski would slap his double into left field and score both runs, before being driven in by senior Matt Wessels after an error.
Despite the late effort, Quinnipiac would tack on one final run in the bottom of the seventh, and the Gaels were unable to complete the comeback. Callanan was tagged with the loss and Quinnipiac's Alduino awarded the win after eight and two thirds innings.
TEAM STATS
- Iona was out hit by Quinnipiac, 13-6
- The Gaels won the strikeout battle, 10-4
- The Bobcats had two errors to the Gaels one.
- QU stole four bags on five attempts while the Maroon & Gold did not attempt.
notable nuggets
- Rodriguez's on base streak continues with one base hit today.
- Lenski's first career hit and RBI's came in just his second career at bat.
- The Gaels were hit by two pitches.
- Iona pitchers managed ten strikeouts, with senior Matt Zguro and Onorato each tallying four.
Up Next
Iona will head home for their home opener Wednesday March 10th as they welcome Maine for their midweek match up. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.
