College Baseball
Manhattan College 7, Rider University 2
Rider University 7, Manhattan College 3

LAWRENCEVILLE—“Just Win Baby.” Rider head baseball coach Barry Davis couldn’t help but quote Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis (no relation) after the Broncs split a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader with Manhattan Saturday. “We certainly didn’t have our ‘A’ game today, but we salvaged a split with a very good team. We weren’t pretty today, but we got a split to stay in first place.”

In the second game, the Broncs (22-24, 15-5 MAAC) scored four runs in the third inning on one hit, an RBI single by senior Mike Poalise (Hammonton), a sacrifice fly by freshman Jamie Hayes (Sunrise, FL/Piper), a bases loaded walk to senior Bryan Wagner (Flemington/Hunterdon Central) and a fielder’s choice.

Jasper designated hitter John Fitzpatrick hit his third home run of the day to give Manhattan (21-20, 11-8 MAAC) a 1-0 lead in the second inning. “Fitzpatrick wore us out today,” said Davis. “The ball was jumping off of his bat today.” Fitzpatrick had two home runs and a double in the first game, knocking in four of Manhattan’s seven runs.

Rider managed just three hits in the second game, but got strong pitching from freshman Jimmer Kennedy (Levittown, PA/Holy Ghost Prep) and freshman Mike Petrowski (Hamilton Square/Steintert).  “It’s tough to win a game with just three hits,” Davis said. “That’s a good sign, beating a good team when you only manage three hits.”

Kennedy pitched into the fifth inning for his sixth win of the season (6-2), and Petrowski recorded his first collegiate save, striking out four in two and one-third innings. “Mike had some big strikeouts today,’ said Davis. Petrowski came in with two men on and two out and struck Fitzpatrick out looking to end the fifth inning. “Mike’s been consistent all year,” said Davis. “I don’t think he had his best stuff today but was good enough to win.” Petrowski entered the game with the best earned run average on the Rider staff (1.97).

“I felt pretty good today,” said Petrowski, who joins a long list of Steinert High School graduates who have continued their educations and baseball careers at Rider. “I knew all about the rich baseball tradition here at Rider, and even though I was recruited by some other big programs, Coach Davis impressed me as someone who really wanted to win. I came from a winning program at Steinert and wanted to continue that.”

In the first game, Manhattan pitcher Chris Cody notched his eighth win of the season, striking out five without allowing a walk for the complete game victory. “Give Cody credit, he’s a stud,” said Davis.

Senior Tom Letizia (Fair Lawn), Hayes and junior Scott Knazek (Browns Mills/Pemberton) all had two hits each in the first game for Rider. In the second game, Letizia made a diving stop to his left to start a 5-4-3 double play in the last inning. “Tommy’s play was huge,” said Davis. “He’s been sick and was no where near 100 percent for this doubleheader but he hung in there and did a great job for us, as usual.”

Rider and Manhattan play the third game of the series Sunday at 12 noon. Rider’s seven graduating seniors will be honored prior to the game.

-RU-