Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Manhattan freshmen Chad Salem, Osmani Sanchez and sophomore Kevin Nieto combined for 14 RBIs guiding the Jaspers to a 20-8 decision over Canisius (31-9, 11-4) this afternoon in MAAC baseball action at Demske Sports Complex. Jaspers' lefty Dan Forman allowed just four runs over six and two thirds innings, while striking out four in his sixth win of the 2008 campaign. Manhattan (21-17-1, 10-5) erupted for 18 hits over the 12 run rout of Canisius.
Salem connected on his fifth and sixth home runs of the season in back-to-back at bats to initiate Manhattan's relentless offensive attack. In the top of the fifth, Salem sent his second homer over the left field wall to cap off a four run rally and extend the Jaspers' advantage to 8-2. Salem went 3-for-4, drove in six RBIs and scored four runs in the ballgame.
The Jaspers tacked on four more runs in the seventh, and eight in the eighth to take a commanding advantage. Manhattan sophomore Tom Moran wrapped up the victory tossing the final two and one third innings. Moran struck out three batters, and allowed just one hit.
Sanchez displayed a career performance after roughing the Golden Griffins' pitching staff up for four hits and five RBIs. Teammate Kevin Nieto went 3-for-4 from the plate, scored four runs, and drove in three RBIs in the winning effort.
Senior outfielder Eric Nieto was solid out of the lead off spot going 3-for-5 on the afternoon. Mark Onorati and Ruben Perez each notched their 11th double of the season, and knocked in a run. Kevin Nieto posted his 13th double of the year.
With the win, Forman improves to a team best 6-3 overall record. Forman, a product of Jamaica, N.Y., has won his past six consecutive starts.
Manhattan returns to action on Thursday for its single game match up with New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, N.Y. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m.
