Riverdale, N.Y. (April 2, 2006)- Seven Manhattan batters posted multi-hit games, and
Jesse Darcy allowed just one earned run over seven-plus innings, as the Jaspers defeated Niagara, 16-4, this afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park to win the series and remain atop the MAAC standings. Manhattan improves to 11-9, 5-1 MAAC, while the Purple Eagles fall to 12-13, 4-2 MAAC.
Manhattan used its speed to score twice in the bottom of the first.
Eric Nieto worked a leadoff walk, and proceeded to steal both second and third, scoring on an error by Niagara. Later in the inning,
Mike Garcia, who reached on an error, stole second, went the third on a wild pitch, and scored on a passed ball.
The Jaspers would add four more in the second, as Nieto doubled home
Nunzio Franzese before, after a walk loaded the bases,
Matt Rizzotti cleared the bases with a three-RBI double.
Manhattan would score two more in the third on RBI singles from
Ryan Masters and Nieto, and one in the fourth on a Rizzotti solo blast to open up a 9-0 lead.
Niagara scored an unearned run in the fourth, but Manhattan plated two more in the sixth on a two-run four bagger from
John Fitzpatrick, and blew the game open with a five run seventh. In the inning, Rizzotti and Garcia each drew a bases loaded walk,
Nick Derba scored on a
Joe Fitzpatrick groundout, and
Pat Reynolds doubled home two more to up the Jaspers' lead to 16-1.
The Purple Eagles would plate three in the eighth to provide the final margin.
Four Manhattan players, Nieto (2-3, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 SB), Rizzotti (2-5, 2 runs, 5 RBI),
John Fitzpatrick (1-4, 2 RBI), and
Pat Reynolds (1-1, 2 RBI) tallied multi-RBI games, as the Jaspers collected a season-high16 hits.
Darcy picked the win, allowing just three hits while fanning six.
Matt Springer closed out the game for Manhattan.
The Jaspers get back in action on Wednesday, April 5, traveling to Easton, Pa. to take on Lafayette at 3:30 p.m.
