Niagara University, NY (May 2, 2005)- Niagara won both games of today's MAAC double header, played at John P. Bobo Field on the Niagara campus, taking the opener, 7-4, before completing the three game sweep with a 4-1 decision in the nightcap. Manhattan falls to 17-16, 8-6 in MAAC play.
The Purple Eagles jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings before Manhattan knotted the score at three with a three run top of the fourth. Nick Derba started the scoring, homering to left field to drive in Gary Diaz and bring the Jaspers within one before a bases loaded walk to John Maser brought Manhattan even.
The Jaspers took the lead in the top of the fifth on an RBI single by Phil Kuhner scoring Matt Rizzotti to give Manhattan a 4-3 lead.
Niagara would respond with four runs in the bottom of the frame to take back the lead and provide the final margin.
In the nightcap, Niagara plated two in the bottom of the first to take a quick, 2-0, lead, and would extend the margin to 3-0 with an unearned run in the fourth.
Manhattan would score its only run in the top of the fifth, as a Rizzotti RBI sacrifice fly would plate Eric Nieto, who reached base four times on three hits and a walk.
The Purple Eagles would add an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh.
Manhattan returns to action on Wednesday, May 4, when the Jaspers host Bronx rival Fordham at Van Cortlandt Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.