Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan baseball team exploded for 16 hits en route to a 9-1 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson (4-14) in the Jaspers' 2011 home opener on Wednesday at Van Cortlandt Park. Jaspers' junior catcher Brendan Slattery took advantage of his second start of the season, batting 3-for-4 and driving in two runs to help Manhattan (9-11) to its fourth straight victory.
Jaspers' freshman pitcher Kevin Bonanni delivered a solid effort in his second start of the season as he yielded only two hits and struck out three batters over four innings. Bonanni, a freshman from Plainview, N.Y., turned to ball over to junior right-hander Dan Feinberg who was perfect through the next two innings and received credit for the victory. Feinberg recorded two strikeouts and retired all six batters he faced.
Manhattan scored its nine runs in waves, needing just two innings to do all of its damage. The Jaspers erased a one run deficit by posting four runs in the sixth inning. Slattery got the offensive surge going with a one-out two-RBI double down the left field line. Senior outfielder Mark Onorati followed by knocking home the next run, and the sophomore shortstop Nick Camastro sent in the fourth run with a two-out double.
The Jaspers' bullpen preserved Manhattan's advantage by allowing just two hits in the final three frames. Jasper relievers Rob Ardino, Scott McClennan and Jacob Marchus were superb, combining for the final eight outs of the ballgame to ensure the victory.
Manhattan tacked on five insurance runs in the eighth inning, a rally which began with Slattery's second double and third hit of the contest. Camastro knocked in the first run with his second double of the game, and then soon after senior third baseman Chad Salem just missed his fourth home run of the season settling for a RBI double off the left field wall. Salem became Manhattan's career home run leader on Saturday surpassing former Jasper slugger John Fitzpatrick '06 with his 36th homer at Siena. Sophomore infielder Julian De La Rosa also drove in a run with a RBI single to left field.
Jaspers' seniors Mike McCann and Austin Sheffield each posted two hits in the contest. Knights' senior pitcher Chris Theordor received the loss in 2/3 innings of relief. Fairleigh Dickinson starting pitcher Mike Eliasen pitched five scoreless innings and logged six strikeouts.
Manhattan returns to Van Cortlandt Park this weekend when the Jaspers host Fairfield in a three-game MAAC series. Saturday's doubleheader begins at 12 p.m.