RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Five Jaspers contributed to a complete game shutout as the Manhattan College baseball team (10-11-1) coasted to a 15-0 victory over Wagner (7-12) this evening at Richmond County Ballpark in Staten Island, N.Y. Sophomore right-hander Brian Pendergast earned the win after throwing two scoreless innings, while allowing just two hits. The Jaspers' bats complemented the superb pitching performance erupting for 15 hits. Sophomore outfielder Kevin Nieto led the charge with two hits, three runs and three RBIs in the winning effort.
Mark Onorati got the Jaspers going posting the first run of the contest in the first inning. He crossed the plate on a wild pitch after reaching base on a walk. Onorati, a freshman outfielder, was 1-for-4 on the night and scored two runs.
Manhattan tagged on another in the top of the second when freshman catcher Jose Behar knocked in Ruben Perez who singled to lead off the inning. Perez scored three runs and was a perfect 2-for-2 from the plate.
The Jaspers posted a three spot in the third which was sparked by a double to right field by Kevin Nieto. Perez later singled Kevin Nieto in, and then scored along with Marc Giordano on a Ryan Masters RBI single up the middle.
Manhattan busted the game open with a nine run fifth cruising out to a 14-0 advantage. Giordano doubled through the right side to get the first two runs in, then Kevin Nieto shined later in the inning with a bases clearing triple to right field.
Manhattan added another run in the top of the eighth when Erik Lucas blasted a pinch hit double to deep left which scored Eric Nieto.
The Jaspers' pitching was lights out as Brian Pendergast, Kyle Waddell, Mike Tibbetts, Joe Culen and Tom Moran combined for the shutout. The staff allowed just nine hits all night.
Manhattan returns to action on Saturday as the squad plays host to Siena at Van Cortlandt Park. The first contest of Saturday's doubleheader is slated for noon.
