Riverdale, N.Y. (May 10, 2006)- Eric Nieto went 3-3 with three runs scored and Mike Gazzola struck out eight over six strong innings as Manhattan posted a 9-3 win over Sacred Heart this afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park. With the win, their third in a row, the Jaspers improve to 24-20, while the Pioneers fall to 19-26.
A solo homer by David Kaloyanides leading off the game gave Sacred Heart the early lead, a lead that was almost doubled two batters later, as Manhattan centerfielder Mike Garcia robbed Bobby McKee of a homer with a leaping catch at the centerfield wall.
The Jaspers evened the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the frame, as Nieto walked leading off, stole second, advanced to third on a passed ball, and scored on a RBI sacrifice fly by John Fitzpatrick.
Manhattan would plate single runs in the second and third, the first on a RBI groundout by Nunzio Franzese, and the second on a Dom Lombardi RBI sacrifice fly to open up a 3-1 lead after three innings.
The Jaspers would blow open the game in the fourth, scoring four runs on two hits and two Sacred Heart errors, with the big blow being a two run homer to left field by Matt Rizzotti to make the score 7-1.
The Pioneers would score single runs in the sixth and eighth to pull within four at 7-4, but Manhattan would score two insurance runs in the eighth on RBI doubles by Nieto and Garcia to provide the final margin.
Gazzola evened his record at 4-4, allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out eight.
The Jaspers return to the diamond this weekend, hosting Saint Peter's in a three game MAAC series beginning with a double header on Saturday, May 13. First pitch is slated for 12 noon, with a Senior Day ceremony prior to game time.