NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University baseball team opened its series against Marist on Friday afternoon. In a pitcher's duel where runs were hard to come by, a sixth-inning RBI single by the Red Foxes proved to be the difference, as the Gaels fell 1-0.
Game summary
Graduate student Andrelys Payamps was sharp to begin the game, as the Red Foxes managed just one hit through the first four innings. The Gaels offense was also held quiet early, recording only one hit in the first three innings, which came on a single to shortstop by senior Damian Rodriguez.
The Gaels threatened in the bottom of the fourth when redshirt-sophomore Sean Stephenson drew a walk and junior AJ Oden singled to third, putting runners on first and second with no outs. However, the next three batters were retired, leaving both runners stranded.
The Red Foxes opened the top of the sixth with a hit by pitch on the first offering of the at bat. The following batter laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runner to second. The runner then scored on a single up the middle in the next at bat, giving the Red Foxes a 1-0 lead.
The Gaels offense remained quiet until the bottom of the eighth. With one out, freshman Aiden Ciprian and Rodriguez each singled to put runners on first and second. The next two batters struck out and flied out to end the inning.
The Maroon and Gold were unable to mount a rally in the ninth, as the batters went down in order, giving Marist a 1-0 victory.
TEAM STATS
- The Maroon & Gold pitching staff did not allow a single inning with more than one hit.
- Payamps and Davis held the Red Foxes to only six hits.
notable nuggets
- Rodriguez batted 3-4 on the day.
- Payamps' nine strikeouts were his second most this season.
- With his scoreless 2.0 innings of relief, senior Sean Davis lowers his ERA to a 1.17.
Up Next
The Gaels return to action tomorrow at 1 p.m. at City Park for game two of the three game set.
