Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan baseball team fell to Florida International (5-1) in the second contest of the three game series Saturday dropping an 18-6 decision in Miami. The Panthers scored all 18 of their runs in the first five innings as they improved to a perfect 5-0 at home this season. Manhattan (0-2) and Florida International complete the series on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Jaspers' senior second baseman Nick Camastro scored the first run of the game in the top of the first inning as part of another two-hit performance, but Florida International responded with four runs in the bottom of the frame to claim a lead it would not relinquish. Panthers' junior third baseman Josh Anderson and freshman first baseman Edwin Rios drove in four runs apiece.
Manhattan's offense was anchored by senior catcher Ramon Ortega who went 3-for-5 at the plate, including a three-run homer in the seventh inning. Fellow Miami native Christian Santisteban smashed his first career home run. The freshman outfielder went yard in the eighth inning with a two-run shot to right field.
The Panthers rallied behind junior starter Tyler Alexander who delivered six strong innings on the mound. The left-hander from Tampa allowed only two hits and struck out six to earn his first victory of the year. Jaspers' senior starter Matt Jordan gave up six earned runs working only the first inning in the loss.
Manhattan received a solid performance out of the bullpen by sophomore lefty Michael Martin. Martin pitched the final four innings yielding only three hits and striking out three batters. He did not allow a walk.
Florida International broke the game open in the second inning by putting up seven runs. Rios and junior outfielder Zach Sweety each laced a two-run double in the inning. Rios finished 3-for-5 and scored three runs. Anderson led the Panthers with a 4-for-5 performance at the plate as he also scored three runs in the victory.
The Jaspers look to rebound Sunday to take their first win of the year back to Riverdale. Manhattan will return to the Sunshine State next weekend when they take on Florida Gulf Coast for a four-game set in Fort Myers.