LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Manhattan Jaspers baseball team (13-21, 6-13 MAAC) dropped the series opener to the Broncs of Rider University (21-12, 15-4 MAAC) by a score of 8-2 inside Sonny Pittaro Field on Friday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Reentering conference play on a mission were the Green and White, poised to continue making some noise following the commanding Siena series win nearly one week ago.
- The Green and White opened the game with a one-out single from Guriyandel Salva, before Vincent Samuel worked a walk on the next Jasper at-bat.
- With the Broncs threatening and runners in scoring position, starting pitcher Jackson Klein forced the Broncs to ground into a double-play and surrender one run in the inning and avoid any further trouble.
- In the sixth inning, the Jaspers crossed the plate after Justin Best drove home Vincent Samuel off a base knock to right field and cut the Broncs' lead to three.
- Two innings later, Manhattan worked itself across the plate for a second time, behind the likes of Andreaus Lewis' double to left field, and Trevor Hansen driving Hunter Sute home off a sacrifice fly.
STATS AND NOTES
- Outfielder Justin Best posted a perfect 4-for-4 afternoon with one RBI.
- Infielder Vincent Samuel went 1-for-2, worked a pair of walks, and crossed the plate once.
- Catcher Andreaus Lewis continued his powerful hitting from the plate, with another 3-for-4 day, which included a double.
- Starting pitcher Jackson Klein logged 4.2 innings of work, surrendered three earned runs, and tossed 77 pitches in the effort.
- Relief pitcher Landon Kuntzelman struck out two in 1.1 innings of work and threw 13 total pitches.
NEXT UP:
The Jaspers resume their three-game series at the Broncs of Rider University tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, when the Green and White conclude the series in a doubleheader, starting at 11 a.m. inside Sonny Pittaro Field. The front end of the twin bill can be viewed on BroncsVision for free.
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