RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? The Manhattan College baseball team was swept in its doubleheader with Charlotte this afternoon falling 11-2 and 13-4 at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium. It marked the season opener for both squads. Manhattan (0-2) will look for its first win of the season tomorrow at noon for its final game of the series with the 49ers.
In game one, Charlotte (2-0) jumped on the Jaspers early scoring nine of its 11 runs over the first two innings. Senior Brad McElroy blasted a two-run homer in his first at bat, and then Aaron Bray and Rob Lyerly each knocked out three-run home runs in the second inning to give the 49ers a comfortable advantage.
Manhattan got on the scoreboard in the sixth inning when senior outfielder Eric Nieto doubled, took third on a wild pitch, and then scored on a Luis Llerena infield groundout.
Eric Nieto was 2-3 from the plate.
The Jaspers added another run in the seventh, but it was too little too late as the 49ers stingy pitching secured the victory.
Zach Rosenbaum got the win (1-0). He allowed just two runs over seven innings of work. Rosenbaum also notched five strikeouts.
Jaspers' sophomore Tom Costigan took the loss (0-1). He lasted four innings, allowed nine runs and posted three strikeouts.
Manhattan held strong in game two despite facing a three run deficit after the first inning. The Jaspers got on the scoreboard in the fourth courtesy of designated hitter Anthony Armenio's RBI-double. Armenio would score on a fielding error to bring the Jaspers within a single run.
Armenio went 3-4 and knocked in two RBIs.
In the sixth, Manhattan tied the ballgame up at 3-3 on a Kevin Nieto RBI double which knocked in his brother Eric.
Charlotte busted the game open in the bottom of the sixth posting eight runs on seven hits and two errors. Senior Chris Taylor managed two doubles during the inning resulting in a pair of runs. Taylor finished with three hits and four RBIs.
Sam Pierce (1-0) got the final 10 outs for the 49ers, allowing just one more run, to complete the sweep. Pierce earned the decision.
Manhattan freshman Dan Forman was credited the loss (0-1) in his first collegiate start. Forman had four strikeouts and five earned runs.
