Manhattan Earns 2-1 Victory Over Rider in Game Two of the 2009 MAAC Baseball Championship
MAAC Sports
Trenton, N.J. ? Junior right fielder Kevin Nieto went 2-for-3 to lead top-seeded Manhattan College (35-16) to a 2-1 victory over fourth-seeded Rider University (26-22) in game two of the 2009 MAAC Baseball Championship at Waterfront Park.
Rider got on the board early in the first inning as sophomore third baseman Mason Heyne singled up the middle, bringing home senior right fielder Jamie Hayes.
Manhattan pulled ahead in the bottom of the fifth, starting with sophomore first baseman Austin Sheffield sending a solo home run over the left field wall. Junior designated hitter Anthony Armenio then crossed home plate off a single to right center by senior shortstop Ryan Masters to give the Jaspers a 2-1 lead.
Mike Gazzola, the MAAC Pitcher of the Year, claimed the win and improved to 7-1 with the victory. Mike Thomas dropped his record to 5-3 on the mound.
Rider will play Canisius College in Game 3 on Friday, May 22, at noon. Game four between Manhattan and Marist College is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.