The Hofstra baseball team lost to Fordham University 4-3 on Saturday, March 9, in a game that was originally scheduled to be against Iona College. Hofstra falls to a 2-6 record with the loss. They have now lost seven of their last eight games.

Both starters had solid outings but each wound up with a no-decision. Hofstra’s starter Ryan Rue had a great start to the game as he cruised through 4.1 no-hit innings, until Jason Coules hit a single with one out in the fifth inning to break it.

Rue had only allowed one baserunner before Coules on a walk. He wound up giving up just two hits and going six innings, giving up one unearned run and striking out two. He did walk four, however.

Hofstra had a 2-1 lead when Rue left the game, but the bullpen was unable to hold the lead, giving up three more runs in two innings.

Fordham’s starter Joseph Quintal went seven innings giving up two runs – both earned – on six hits with no walks and striking out nine. Fordham took the lead once he left the game. The bullpen held the lead the rest of the way, just giving up one run in two innings.

Fordham’s Kyle Martin earned his first win of the season, while Hofstra’s Mike Mirando recorded his first loss.

Hofstra got off to a 2-0 lead after solo home runs from Vito Friscia and Vinnie Costello. Friscia’s home run came in the second inning and Costello’s came in the fifth.

For Friscia, his hot streak continues as he hit his second home run in the last three games. He also drove in another run in the eighth with an RBI groundout which tied the game at three.

Fordham then scored a run in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI double by Matt Tarabek, which proved to be the winning run. Anthony D’Onofrio struck out looking with the potential tying run on third to end the game.

These two teams will not have much time to rest, as they are scheduled to play each other once again Sunday, March 10, at 12 p.m. at Fordham.  

Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics