Iona University Athletics

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Iona University baseball team defeated Fairfield 5-4 in the series finale. Fairfield struck first with an RBI double. Iona tied the game in the third on a home run and took the lead in the fourth with an RBI double. A three-run homer in the bottom of the inning gave the Stags a two-run advantage. The Gaels responded with two late runs to tie the game at four. In extra innings, Iona delivered a go-ahead home run in the 10th to secure the win and head back to New Rochelle victorious.

GAME SUMMARY

The Stags struck first with an RBI double to left field, taking an early 1-0 lead. Both offenses were quiet in the second inning, while freshman Luke Lanf retired the Fairfield lineup in order.

The Maroon and Gold answered in the third when redshirt sophomore Sean Stephenson launched a two-out home run to right field to tie the game at one. An inning later, the Gaels rallied as senior Anthony Zollo singled to left field and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, setting up a scoring chance for Braize Mitchell. Mitchell delivered with a double to left center, driving in Zollo and giving Iona its first lead of the game.

Fairfield responded in the bottom of the fourth with a rally of its own, scoring three runs on two hits. A three-run homer to left field put the Stags back in front, 4-2. In the top of the sixth, senior Nickolas Mora worked a walk and advanced to second on a stolen base. Mitchell came through again with a double, bringing Mora home and cutting the deficit to one.

With Fairfield's offense held scoreless the rest of the way, Iona capitalized in the seventh. Sophomore Malachi Costello singled up the middle to lead off the inning. After two fly outs, Zollo delivered a clutch double to left center, driving in Costello to tie the game at four. Neither team scored in the eighth or ninth, sending the game into extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Mora homered to left field on the second pitch of the inning, giving the Gaels a 5-4 lead. Senior Sean Davis closed it out, shutting the door on the Stags to secure the win.

TEAM STATS

• The Maroon & Gold batters tallied 15 total hits. 
• The pitchers for the Gaels combined for 11 total strikeouts. 
• Iona's six doubles was the most in a game all season. 

NOTABLE NUGGETS

• Davis and Lang both pitched 5.0 innings. Davis allowed only two hits while striking out six batters. 
• Stephenson batted 4-5 with one RBI. 
• Zollo batted 3-5 with one RBI. 
• Mora is currently riding an eight game hit streak. 

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