Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? The Manhattan College baseball team fell 11-10 to Brigham Young University (1-0) at Reynolds Stadium on the campus of Oklahoma State University in the Jaspers' season opener. The Cougars used a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth by junior third baseman Steve Parker, then the decisive RBI single from first baseman Kasey Ko to escape with the victory. Senior co-captain Ruben Perez led Manhattan (0-1) with three RBI on a 3-for-4 performance at the plate, including the 13th home run of his collegiate career.
The Jaspers battled back from a three run deficit, beginning in the third inning when sophomore first baseman Austin Sheffield drove in classmate Chad Salem for Manhattan's first run of the season. Salem reached base on a double, his only hit of the game. Sheffield was 2-for-5 from the plate with two RBI and two runs.
Manhattan made a big offensive charge in the fifth and sixth innings, scoring eight runs over the two stanzas. The surge featured nine hits, including a solo homer from junior designated hitter Anthony Armenio. Armenio was 2-for-3 from the plate.
The Cougars retaliated with five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull within 9-8. The comeback bid force Manhattan to go to its bullpen. Jaspers' starter Tom Costigan tossed five and one third innings, struck out six and allowed eight earned runs.
BYU tied the game at 9 in the bottom of the seventh, but Perez quickly regained the Jaspers' lead with a solo home run to lead off the eighth.
The Cougars made their game winning charge in the bottom half of the inning, then freshman reliever Marc Oslund held off the Jaspers in the top of the ninth to secure his first win of the season. Oslund went three and one third innings and allowed just one run.
Manhattan freshman Mike Giordano made his first collegiate appearance on the hill in relief. He went two and two third innings.
Kevin Nieto, a Preseason All-MAAC selection, hit 2-for-3 with two RBI in the lead off spot. Senior shortstop Ryan Masters and junior transfer Jamie Fitzgerald each tallied three hits.
The Jaspers return to action tomorrow for a doubleheader beginning with a rematch against BYU, then versus host school Oklahoma State.
