NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University baseball team fell to La Salle 8-0 in its midweek match up. The Explorers broke the game open in the third and fourth innings, scoring five unanswered runs, then added three more late. The Gaels struggled to find their rhythm at the plate against La Salle's pitching.
GAME SUMMARY
Junior Saul Mata held the Explorers scoreless through the first two innings but ran into trouble in the third. La Salle opened the inning with a double down the right field line, followed by a stolen base to move the runner to third. The next batter walked and stole a base, putting two runners in scoring position. The Explorers plated their first two runs on an RBI triple to right center, then added another on an RBI single to take a 3-0 lead into the fourth.
The Gaels were unable to generate offense early, recording just three hits through the first three innings. La Salle extended its lead in the top of the fourth, scoring two more runs on a wild pitch and an RBI single to make it 5-0.
Iona mounted its first threat in the bottom of the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on a single from senior Anthony Zollo and walks by sophomore Andrew Lenski and senior Nickolas Mora. However, a ground out ended the rally before any runs could score.
Both teams were held scoreless in the fifth as the pitching staffs settled in, highlighted by sophomore Danny Onorato retiring the side. La Salle added another run later in the inning on an RBI single to push its lead to 6-0.
In the top of the eighth, the Explorers scored their final two runs on a two RBI single, extending the lead to eight. The Gaels could not generate a late rally and fell 8-0 in their midweek match up.
TEAM STATS
- Iona batters reached base via the walk six times.
- Pitchers for the Maroon & Gold stranded 11 La Salle batters on base.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
UP NEXT
The Gaels return to action on Friday at home as they face off against Canisius for the beginning of a three-game set. First pitch is schedule for 3 p.m.
