Niagara Falls, N.Y. (April 22, 2007)- Manhattan ran its winning streak to 15 games with a 4-1, MAAC series sweeping win over Niagara University this afternoon at Sal Maglie Stadium. Improving to 23-11 overall and 14-0 in conference play, the Jaspers also extended their road winning streak to 13 games, with both streaks being tops in NCAA Division I.
For the third time in as many games, Manhattan scored the game's first run, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. With one out, Kevin Nieto singled through the right side, followed by consecutive walks to Rene Ruiz and Matt Rizzotti to load the bases. Nick Derba grounded a ball to third, but Niagara could not complete the double-play, allowing Kevin Nieto to scamper home.
The Jaspers doubled their advantage in the fifth with another run from Kevin Nieto, this time coming home on a Rizzotti sacrifice fly to make the score 2-0.
That run loomed larger in the bottom of the frame, as the Purple Eagles scored once and had the potential game-tying run on second base with two outs, but Manhattan starter Tom Costigan struck out the Niagara batter looking to end the threat.
Niagara did not threaten the rest of the way, as Jasper pitching retired the side in order the rest of the way to keep the Purple Eagles at bay.
Manhattan scored two insurance runs in the late innings, as Ruiz plated Eric Nieto with a sacrifice fly in the seventh, and Rizzotti singled home Ruiz in the ninth to provide the final margin.
Costigan earned his fifth win of the season and fourth MAAC win in as many tries, allowing just one run on four hits over eight innings, striking out three. Tom Moran worked a perfect ninth to pick up his third save.
The Manhattan pitching staff was impressive in the three game sweep, allowing just three runs (two earned) for a 0.72 ERA, striking out 18 against just three walks, and holding the Purple Eagles offense to a .149 average.
The Jaspers look to extend both streaks on Wednesday, April 25, taking a short trip up the “1” Subway train to take on Columbia University in a double header at the Lions' Baker Field. The twin bill, with both games to be seven inning games, is slated to begin at 1:30 p.m.
