RIVERDALE, N.Y. ? Sophomore Kevin Nieto has been selected MAAC baseball Player of the Week, while freshman Chad Salem was named Rookie of the Week as released this afternoon by the conference office. Nieto and Salem played a key role in the Jaspers' sweep of MAAC rival Saint Peter's last weekend.
In Manhattan's four wins last week, Nieto posted a .438 batting average, drove in seven RBIs and connected on two triples. Nieto's pair of triples set a program record placing him atop Manhattan's career triples list with 10, all coming over just two seasons with the Jaspers. Nieto also stole his 17th base of the season, and harbored a .500 on base percentage on the week.
Salem, a local product from Rye, N.Y., hit .571, connected on two doubles and posted a 1.286 slugging percentage over three starts at third base. In total, Salem drove in three RBIs and recorded his eighth home run of the season, a team-high. He also notched a .692 on base percentage and .929 fielding percentage on the week.
Nieto and Salem have helped the Jaspers to wins in 13 of their last 16 games, and a seven game win streak.
Manhattan's sweep of Saint Peter's last weekend secured the program's sixth consecutive MAAC Tournament berth. The Jaspers wrap up the regular-season with a three game series at Fairfield on Thursday and Friday.
