RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? The Manhattan College baseball team swept its doubleheader with the University of Maryland Baltimore County this afternoon topping the Retrievers 14-7 and 4-3 at the Baseball Factory Field at UMBC. Freshman Chad Salem erupted for four RBIs, five runs and a home run helping Manhattan get past the Retrievers in both contests. With the victories, Manhattan improves to 3-7 on the season.
In game one, the Jaspers jumped out to an 8-0 advantage by the fourth inning, and never looked back. Manhattan senior Dom Lombardi had the hot bat going 3-for-5, while scoring a run and knocking one in. Sophomore right-hander Tom Costigan delivered his best performance of the season lasting six innings allowing just three runs and striking out four. It marked Costigan's first win of the season.
Manhattan cruised to the 14-7 decision after adding four more runs in the seventh and a two-run homer by Salem in the ninth. Marc Giordano, a senior outfielder, exploded for five RBIs. Eric Nieto had three hits and Luis Llerena added two in the winning effort.
In game two, the Jaspers found themselves facing a 3-0 deficit after the bottom of the first inning. UMBC junior Scott Peddicord got the scoring going with a RBI double that scored Wink Nolan.
Manhattan got on the scoreboard in the second when freshman Osmani Sanchez knocked in Salem who also singled to left earlier in the inning.
The Jaspers added two more runs in the fourth inning and the game-winner in the fifth when Lombardi connected on a RBI double scoring Eric Nieto.
Giordano posted two RBIs in the winning effort.
Senior right-hander Matt Nevins was credited with his first win of the season going six innings, allowing just one earned run and notching six strikeouts. Dan Forman earned the save by holding UMBC scoreless in the seventh.
Manhattan returns to action on Wednesday afternoon for its home opener with UAlbany. Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m.
