In an all-around effort for the Pride that included grasping an early lead, backed by terrific pitching, Hofstra was able to defeat Manhattan College 4-1 to extend their winning streak to six games on Tuesday, April 23.
“They’re a tough opponent; really well coached,” said Hofstra head coach John Russo.
The Pride (12-24) started the game off on a high note against the Jaspers (15-25), as their 3-0 lead in the second inning set the tone for the rest of the game.
Alex Sica got the scoring going for Hofstra, doubling to left center to open the scoring in the second. A few wild pitches later in the inning drove in two more runs, giving the Pride a three run advantage after two frames.
Later in the fifth inning, Hofstra’s Jimmy Joyce launched his first home run of the season to extend the Pride’s lead to four runs – a margin too great for the Jaspers to overcome.
A great pitching performance helped lead the Pride to a victory over the Jaspers. Steven Boscia earned the win after pitching three innings without giving up a run. Boscia improves to 3-0 on the year while picking up his third win in his last four outings.
Michael James, Matt Siedem and Seamus Brazill all came on in relief after Boscia’s strong pitching. Combined, they only gave up one run and struck out four batters.
Daniel Page came in to pitch in the ninth inning, sealing the win for Hofstra. Page pitched a scoreless inning and secured his fourth save of the season. Page has now picked up a save in four of the Pride’s last six games.
For Manhattan, pitcher Jacob Knight picked up the loss after giving up three runs in three innings. Alexis Calderon came into the game after Knight’s slow start, allowing only one run to score from four hits in five innings.
Despite Calderon’s strong performance in relief for the Jaspers, Hofstra’s ability to shut down Manhattan’s offense kept their lead secure. Manhattan was able to only score one run in the contest off eight hits.
The wins have been piling up for Hofstra recently. After a disappointing month of March for the Pride in which they won only two games, they have already won nine games in April, including their current six game winning streak that began on Sunday, April 14.
After sweeping UNCW in their last series, the win against Manhattan on Tuesday locks up the sweep over the Jaspers. The previous victory over Manhattan featured a 2-0 shutout win on Tuesday, April 2, for Hofstra.
As the month of April ticks down, Hofstra heads down to Virginia for a three-game series with James Madison University. The Dukes have a win-streak of their own, as they have won their last five.
Hofstra looks to keep their momentum going as the season comes to a close. The first pitch against the Dukes will be thrown at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26.
Image Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
