Bronx, N.Y. – (April 29, 2022) – Saint Joseph's used some heavy hitting in the opening two innings, netting 13 runs, as the Hawks downed the Fordham Rams, 16-9, at Houlihan Park on Friday to start a three-game Atlantic 10 series.
Saint Joseph's (23-16, 8-5 A10) opened the game with a seven-run first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run by Nate Thomas, his 12
th of the season.
Fordham (11-28, 4-9 A10) answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning to make it 7-3. The Rams loaded the bases with two outs on a single by
Cian Sahler,
Zach Selinger's hit by pitch, and a walk to
Andy Semo.
Will Findlay then cleared the bases with a three-run double to left center.
The Hawks then registered a six-run second inning to expand the lead to 13-3. The biggest hit of the frame was a bases loaded triple by Luca Trigiani to score three runs. Saint Joseph's would add two runs in the third and one in the fourth for a 16-3 lead.
Ryan Thiesse
The Rams did keep the bats swinging, getting a run in the fifth on an RBI-double by Findlay as well as a run on an RBI-single by
Jake Guercio in the eighth to make it, 16-5.
Fordham then capped the scoring with four runs in the ninth for the 16-9 final score. After loading the bases with one out,
C.J. Vazquez plated a run with an RBI-single, while
Chris Genaro had an RBI-ground out.
Ryan Thiesse finished the scoring with a two-run single to center.
For Fordham, Findlay had the biggest day, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a career-high four RBI, while also pitching a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout. Thiesse continued his hot hitting, as he went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base.
Aside from Findlay,
James Springer was solid in his three innings of relief, giving up just one hit and tying a career-high with five strikeouts.
Game two between these two teams is set for Saturday at 1:00 PM.
