Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? New York Institute of Technology (14-23-1) rallied off four runs in the bottom of the ninth to earn a 10-9 victory over the Manhattan College (21-18-1) baseball team this afternoon in Old Westbury, N.Y. Freshman centerfielder Mark Onorati was a bright spot for the Jaspers going 3-for-4 from the plate, scoring three runs and driving in a RBI. Fellow freshman Mike McCann and Mike Diorio, along with Onorati each homered in the ballgame.
Diorio got the Jaspers going in the top of the second when he sent the first home run of his collegiate career over the left field wall to put Manhattan on top 2-0. He went 1-for-3 in the contest, and scored two runs.
NYIT responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs of its own to even the score at 2-2.
In the third, Manhattan added two unearned runs to regain the lead courtesy of two NYIT errors. However, the Bears tied the contest for the second time with two runs in the bottom of the fifth resulting from Effrey Valdez's homer. Mike LaLuna came around the diamond after doubling down the line earlier in the inning.
Manhattan erupted for four runs in the seventh, and tacked on another in the top of the ninth to take a 9-6 advantage into the bottom half of the inning.
NYIT used senior outfielder Bob Garland's lead off solo blast to gain momentum for the late rally. Soon after, the Bears scored two runs, and evened the score at 9-9 on a throwing error. Two wild pitches later, LaLuna crossed home plate to take the victory.
Jaspers' sophomore reliever Marc Nardotti was credit the loss, marking his first of the season. Freshman starter Kyle Waddell went seven innings, allowed nine hits and six runs.
NYIT reliever Frank Ryan got the win after just one inning of work.
The Jaspers return to action on Saturday for a doubleheader at league rival Marist to kick off a three series. Saturday's first contest begins at noon in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
