Bronx, N.Y. – (March 8, 2019) – Fordham's
Jake MacKenzie had a career day, recording his first career four-hit game, while driving in four runs and scoring twice, as the Rams won their third straight game, 9-2, over the Iona Gaels at Houlihan Park.
With the win, Fordham evened its record at 6-6 on the season, while Iona fell to 0-10.
The Rams got out to a fast lead, scoring twice in the first inning.
Jake Baker singled to right with one out and scored on a triple to left center by
Jake MacKenzie. MacKenzie then scored on a ground out by
Justin Bardwell.
After Iona cut the Fordham lead to 2-1 in the second, Fordham rallied for three runs in the fifth inning for a 5-1 edge. The Rams picked up RBI-singles from
Alvin Melendez, MacKenzie, and Bardwell.
Matt Tarabek
The Gaels made it 5-2 in the top of the sixth, but Fordham had a four-run answer in the seventh to put the lead out to 9-2 and did not look back.
Jake Guercio opened the frame with a triple into the right field corner with Melendez and Baker reaching on a walk and a hit by pitch respectively to load the bases with no outs. MacKenzie then ripped a two-run ground-rule double, followed by a two-run ground out by
Matt Tarabek.
The cushion was plenty for the Fordham pitching staff, as the trio of Melendez,
Matt Mikulski, and
Brian Weissert were able to hold Iona in check. Mikulski (1-2) recorded the win, allowing just one run over six innings of relief with four strikeouts. Melendez gave up a run on two hits over the first two innings with Weissert pitching a scoreless ninth.
At the plate, MacKenzie was a career-best 4-for-4 with two singles, a double, and a triple to go with two runs scored, two stolen bases, and four RBI. Guercio went 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored with Bardwell and Tarabek each drove in a pair of runs.
The Rams will face Iona again on Saturday at 11:00 AM with another game to follow at 3:00 PM against Hofstra.
