Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Jaspers senior shortstop Ryan Masters delivered a bases clearing three-RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a 6-6 tie en route to an 11-7 Manhattan (28-11, 13-2 MAAC) victory over Canisius (23-19, 8-7 MAAC) on Sunday at Van Cortlandt Park. Tom Costigan pitched eight solid innings out of the bullpen to pick up his fifth win of the year and record the series clinching victory.
Manhattan gradually chipped away at a five run deficit surrendered by freshman starter Matt Jordan in the first inning. Golden Griffins senior Kevin Mailloux knocked in the first run, then classmate Branson Joseph hit a three-run homer and freshman Brad Medici sent an RBI single to center field to cap off the rally.
Sophomore third baseman Chad Salem started the Jaspers comeback driving in the first two runs, beginning with a RBI single in the first. In the third inning, Salem sent a laser line drive into left field which allowed Mark Onorati to score from second base. Salem hit 4-for-5, including a triple, and scored twice in the ballgame. It marked his second four hit performance of the season.
Austin Sheffield finished out the third inning with a RBI double into right field to bring the Jaspers within 5-3. It was Sheffield's 10th double and 39 RBI of the year. In the fourth inning, Canisius used Shayne Willson's double, and then Mailloux's RBI single to extend its advantage back up to three.
Manhattan catcher Jamie Fitzgerald hit his second home run of the season over the left field wall in the bottom of the fourth, a shot which was good for two runs. The blast cut the Jaspers' deficit to one. Manhattan tied the game at 6-6 in the fifth inning when Golden Griffins first baseman Connor Burke tried turning a double play, but lofted the ball into center field, allowing Salem to score.
Promptly after the Jaspers tied the contest, Canisius called to its bullpen for reliever Matt Weber. Weber proceeded to walk Fitzgerald to load up the bases, setting the stage for Masters who connected on the decisive hit down the left field line to put Manhattan on top, 9-6. Senior co-captain Ruben Perez hit his third home run of the year in the sixth, a two run blast which added additional run support.
While the Jaspers' offense was plugging away, Costigan was dealing strong on the mound. He struck out five of his first seven outs, and finished with eight strikeouts. Costigan muscled his way through the seventh inning as he struck out MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Kevin Mahoney and fellow Preseason All-MAAC selection Branson Joseph, before forcing Stephen McQuail to fly out to left field to end the inning. Onorati retired McQuali with a dazzling diving catch. Onorati hit 2-for-3 in the contest and scored a run.
Canisius stranded six runners in the eighth and ninth innings as Costigan closed out the game strong. He allowed seven hits and just one earned run against one of the most potent offenses in the MAAC.
Golden Griffins starter Mike Goemans was credit with the loss. The junior from Guelph, Ont. lasted four and a third innings, with five earned runs and two strikeouts.
Manhattan returns to the diamond on Tuesday for its showdown with Bronx rival Fordham. Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m. at Van Cortlandt Park.
