Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Manhattan (16-9) rallied for its largest inning of the season erupting for 12 runs in the second frame en route to an 18-5 victory over Long Island (5-21) on Tuesday at Van Cortlandt Park. The Jaspers extended their largest win streak of the year to five games, and recorded their 15th straight home victory dating back to last season. The game was called in the seventh inning due to darkness.
The Jaspers fiery offense exploded out of the gate earning a 15-0 advantage by the end of the second inning. Sophomore Chad Salem, junior Anthony Armenio and senior Ruben Perez warmed Manhattan's offensive engine by each driving in a run in the first. The Jaspers then plowed through the second inning scoring 12 runs on six hits and one error, while batting through the line up. It was the most runs the club has scored in an inning this season, and was the fourth time Manhattan scored 10 or more runs in an inning.
Junior center fielder Kevin Nieto began the second inning surge with an RBI single, before Salem made a statement with his two-RBI laser line drive into left field. Armenio then launched his sixth home run of the season deep over the left center field wall, a shot that was good for three runs. Freshman second baseman Will DeRuve added to the scoring effort with a two-RBI single, and Mike McCann wrapped up the inning with a three run blast over the right field fence.
McCann pushed his consecutive game hit streak to 18. He anchors the Jaspers' .348 team batting average, which ranks 13th nationally, with a .410 individual average.
Manhattan starting pitcher Zac Goyer, a junior right hander, carried a no-hitter into the fourth inning and earned his second win of the season. Goyer tossed five innings, limited Long Island to two hits and four earned runs.
Nieto belted his ninth home run of the season in the sixth inning, bouncing it off the left field scoreboard for the second time in as many games. The co-captain leads the Jaspers and ranks second in the MAAC with nine homers in 2009.
Manhattan's 18 runs tie for the third most the squad has scored this season. The Jaspers are in the top-10 in all of Division I for runs scored per game (10.0 RPG).
Nieto and Armenio each finished with four RBI, and McCann and Salem had three apiece.
Manhattan freshman Rob LaColla pitched two solid innings out of the bullpen to ensure the win. LaColla's only blemish to his line was a solo home run off the bat of James Jones in the seventh.
The Jaspers return to the diamond tomorrow for a non-conference showdown with Army at West Point. Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m.
