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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