Box Score
Listen to Manhattan Live vs. Canisius
TRENTON, N.J. ? Jaspers' senior outfielder Eric Nieto posted Manhattan's (31-19-1) first hit of the ballgame to become the program's career hits leader surpassing former standout John Fitzpatrick '06 on the all-time chart. Although, this proved to be all the Jaspers could get going as they eventually fell to Siena (28-24), 24-3, in the opening round of the 2008 MAAC Championships at Waterfront Park in Trenton, N.J.
The Saints jumped out to a 13-0 advantage after exploding for five runs in the third, six in the fourth and two in the fifth. Siena first baseman Rick Seltzer broke the game open with a two-out grand slam over the right center field fence in the third inning. The blast extended Siena's advantage to 5-0.
Saints' designated hitter Eric Mruczek replicated Seltzer's homer in the top of the fourth when he jacked a grand slam over the left field wall to put Siena on top by double digits, 10-0. Sophomore outfielder Anthony Giansanti followed with an RBI double to center field. Seltzer scored from second to cap off the six run stanza.
Manhattan made its call to the bullpen for freshman right-hander Mike Tibbetts in the top of the fifth. Jaspers' starter Dan Forman was chased out of the ballgame after allowing 11 hits for 10 earned runs over four innings of work. Forman struck out two during his first MAAC tournament appearance.
Siena added two more runs to the total in the fifth on a Jake Willis RBI single, 13-0. Willis, the 2008 MAAC Player of the Year, went 5-for-6 in the contest with four RBIs.
In the bottom of the fifth, center fielder Kevin Nieto got the Jaspers on the scoreboard when he connected on a two-out RBI double into left field. Siena left fielder Nick Messinger misplayed the hit, while Mark Onorati came around to score.
Kevin Nieto went 3-for-4 on the afternoon. Eric Nieto and Dom Lombardi each tallied two hits.
Tibbetts tossed three innings in relief before handing the ball over to fellow freshman Rob Ardino. Tibbetts allowed five hits and struck out two batters on the afternoon.
The Saints prospered on the pitching change before Ardino could record an out, as pinch hitter Juan Amador sent a two-run homer into left center. Seltzer later ripped a two RBI double down the right field line, which was followed by a Jason DeFilippo two RBI triple, and then a Giansanti RBI single. Siena tacked on four more to cap the 11 run surge.
Manhattan added two runs in the bottom of the ninth resulting from an Eric Nieto RBI fielder's choice, and an Onorati sacrifice fly.
With the loss, Manhattan moves into the elimination game tomorrow at 11 a.m. The Jaspers will face #1 Canisius (40-11, 19-5).
