College Baseball
Rider University 12  Canisius College 7

BUFFALO, NY—The Broncs won the first game of a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader Saturday, and are leading the second game 6-0 in the top of the fourth inning before rain suspended play. “This was a big win for us,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis.  “I’d like to keep this rolling.” Rider (24-25, 16-6 MAAC) has won 10 of its last 13 games.

The second game, a seven-inning contest, will pick up where it left off at 12 noon Sunday, and the third game will follow. “(Freshman Jimmer) Kennedy (Levittown, PA/Holy Ghost Prep) has a shutout going and only threw 39 pitches so we’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” said Davis.

In the first game, senior Mike Poalise (Hammonton) hit a two-run triple and scored to give Rider a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning.  “Mike came out of the gates and had a big hit for us right off the bat,” said Davis.

The Broncs built a 6-1 lead in the second inning on a two-run single by freshman Jamie Hayes (Sunrise, FL/Piper). Hayes had four RBI in game one. “Once again he came up with men in scoring position and came through,” said Davis. “He’s staying hot.” Hayes is now tied for the team lead with 32 RBI. “Hayes had a big double in the second game too.”

Sophomore pitcher Will O’Connor (Cinnaminson) improved to 7-1, Rider’s first seven game winner since Mark Fisher (7-4) in 2002. “He’s been getting great support. We seem to score a lot for Willie,” said Davis. In O’Connor’s seven victories this year, Rider has scored 69 runs. “I’m glad we swung the bats today.”

Senior Gene Crimoli (Shrewsbury/Christian Brothers Academy) had two hits and three RBI in the first game.

Canisius (16-33, 7-15 MAAC) trailed 10-1 before scoring six runs in the seventh inning on seven hits, and out-hit Rider 12-11 for the game. “They got a bunch of hits in that one inning,” said Davis. “No lead is safe on this Astroturf. The ball gets through in a hurry.”

Senior Tom Letizia (Fair Lawn) had two hits and scored three runs, and was hit twice. Letizia has now been hit 18 times this season, tops in the MAAC. Letizia led the 2005 Broncs with nine hit by pitches. “One thing I’ll say about Tommy, he won’t move,” said Davis. “He doesn’t crowd the plate but he’s a tough guy who gets on base and scores.” Letizia leads the team with a .449 on base percentage and is third on the team in runs scored with 41.

-RU-