NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Iona University baseball team fell 3-1 in game one of its three-game series against the Canisius Golden Griffins. Runs were hard to come by for the majority of the game, as both pitching staffs stayed in rhythm. Each team scored its first run in the ninth inning to force extra innings. A two-run single by the Griffins in the eleventh proved to be the difference.
GAME SUMMARY
The bottom of the first saw the Maroon & Gold get a lead off base runner, as senior Damian Rodriguez reached on a fielding error, but the next three batters were retired. Junior Brendan Callanan was sharp through the first two innings, holding the Griffins hitless.
Callanan's hitless streak was broken in the third with a single to right. With two runners on base after a two-out single, he got the next batter to ground out and end the frame. Both offenses struggled in the fourth and were unable to score.
In the top of the fifth, Canisius put together another rally in hopes of scoring the game's first run. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases, but a line out and a quick throw to second from freshman Aiden Ciprian ended the rally and helped Callanan escape the jam.
There were only two combined hits between both teams in the sixth and seventh innings, as neither offense could get a read on the opposing pitcher. Senior Sean Davis entered in the top of the eighth and retired the side in order.
Davis ran into trouble in the ninth as the Griffins led off with a triple down the line. A fly out to center field brought the runner home and gave the Griffins a 1-0 lead. The Gaels looked to rally in the ninth to extend the game.
Junior AJ Oden drew a walk and was pinch run for by senior Mitchell Murphy. Murphy advanced to second on a wild pitch, putting a runner in scoring position for sophomore Kieran Kehoe. Kehoe doubled down the left field line to drive in the tying run. He was then pinch run for by redshirt-freshman Cole Silvia. Senior Anthony Zollo followed with a walk to put the Gaels in position for a walk-off, but the next two batters were retired.
Neither team scored in the tenth, sending the game to the eleventh inning. Canisius broke through in the top of the frame, scoring two runs on a two-RBI single to left. The Gaels were unable to respond in the bottom of the inning and fell 3-1.
TEAM STATS
- Iona pitchers were able to strand a dozen runners on base.
- Davis and Callanan combined for eight strikeouts.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Callanan pitched 7.0 innings allowing six hits, two walks while striking out three.
- Zollo is currently riding a seven game hit streak.
- Mora is currently riding a ten game on base streak.
UP NEXT
The Gaels return to action on tomorrow for game two of the three game set. First pitch is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
