Box Score BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Manhattan Jaspers came out on the losing end of another late inning rally by the Canisius Golden Griffins and fell 7-6 to split the series Friday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex.
Manhattan (8-17, 2-3) has taken the previous two meets with Canisius (7-14, 1-1), claiming a first-round win in the 2023 MAAC Championships and the regular season series, 2-1, and look to maintain that record in tomorrow's rubbermatch set for noon.
A quarter of the Jaspers' 12 hits came in the ninth, but only a pair of runs crossed on a two-run single from Drew Wyers to give Manhattan a 6-3 edge. An unfortunate set of errors put two on base in the bottom of the frame and Cole Sebastian connected for a right-center homer to tie the game. Senior Carlin Dick mirrored the attack to walk off the game and notch his second home run of the game.
Dick and Sebastian claimed four of the foe's 11 hits to lead Canisius at the plate. Manhattan was driven by Sophomore Chase Swain who went 3-for-4 with a solo homer, his second of the season.
Michael Staiano (3-1) suffered his first loss after allowing five runs (four earned) on five hits with two strikeouts in 2.1 innings of relief. Justin Solimine opened the game with a solid six innings of work, allowing just two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out five. Junior Aaron Duffy (2-2) earned the win in 3.0 innings on the mound, allowing just two runs on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts.
Frankie Marinelli was issued a walk to start the game and turned the ensuing wild pitch and pair of ground outs into the first score. Swain opened the fourth with a solo shot to right center and Vincent Davis scored on a wild pitch after reaching on a walk and advancing on another errant throw.
The Golden Griffins left one on base in the first three innings but didn't manage to get anything across until an infield fumble by the Jaspers allowed an unearned run to score in the fourth, 3-1.
On one out in the sixth, Dylan Mayer knocked his second home run in as many games to cushion Manhattan's lead, 4-1, but Canisius' Dick responded with a solo shot of his own to cut the lead in half.
The Golden Griffin's initial threat came across on an RBI double to center in the eighth, 4-3. Freshman Michael Staiano escaped the jam with a fly out and strike out to shut it down before the four-run ninth claimed the game.
First pitch is set for noon and can be followed via live stats at gojaspers.com or streamed on ESPN+.
