NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University baseball team defeated the FDU Knights 3-1 in their midweek match up. A two-run single in the second inning proved to be the difference in the low-scoring contest. The Knights got on the board in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly, but the Maroon and Gold bullpen did not allow a hit for the remainder of the game. In the bottom of the seventh, the Gaels added a much-needed insurance run on an RBI walk.
GAME SUMMARY
The Gaels threatened in the first as sophomore
Malachi Costello and junior
AJ Oden each singled with two outs, but a fielder's choice left both runners stranded. In the bottom of the second, the Gaels broke through as senior
Bryce Elias lined a single up the middle to drive in two runs. The rally followed a single from senior
Anthony Zollo and a walk from freshman
Aiden Ciprian, with both runners moving into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt.
Junior
Saul Mata was sharp through the first three innings, allowing just one hit. The Knights pushed across their first run in the top of the fourth after loading the bases with a single, a walk, and an error. After Mata exited, junior
Kyle Hard entered in relief and limited the damage to one run on a sacrifice fly, making it 2-1 heading into the bottom of the inning.
Both pitching staffs settled in over the next few innings, limiting base runners on each side until the seventh. Redshirt freshman
Cole Silvia led off with a walk and later stole second. Oden also drew a walk, and sophomore
Kieran Kehoe was hit by a pitch to load the bases. After a lengthy at-bat, Ciprian earned a bases-loaded walk to bring home Silvia and add an important insurance run.
Sophomore
Justin Trinidad entered in the sixth and delivered three perfect innings, allowing no hits and no walks. In the ninth, graduate student
Tyler Lender came on to secure the save as the Gaels defeated the Knights 3-1.
TEAM STATS
- The Gael pitching staff was able to limit the Knights to two hits while striking out ten.
- Batters for the Maroon & Gold were able to reach base via the walk six times.
- The Knights' two hits were tied for the fewest allowed by the Gaels this season.
- The Maroon & Gold bullpen did not allow a single hit.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- The Gaels' ten pitching strikeouts was their sixth game with double digit strikeouts.
- Lender has only allowed one run in his last six appearances.
- Elias recorded his first hit and RBI with the Maroon & Gold.
- Ciprian and Kehoe are both riding 12 game on-base streaks.
UP NEXT
The Maroon & Gold return to action on Friday as the Pioneers of Sacred Heart come into town for a weekend series. First pitch is scheduled for 3 P.M.
