May 17, 2007

Final Stats Game 1
Final Stats Game 2

The Siena baseball team's spirited run toward the MAAC Tournament came to an abrupt halt with a 9-6 loss to rival Marist in the first game of its three-game season-concluding series in Loudonville Thursday. The Saints rallied for a 2-1 win in the second game behind the strong pitching of Andy Wells and James Pacifico.

After three scoreless innings in the opener, Marist built a 9-1 lead with five runs in the fourth inning and four in the sixth. Brian McDonough and Travis Musolf each drove in a pair of runs with hits in the fourth, a rally that chased Siena ace Craig Chaput from the game.

Musolf's three-run home run highlighted the five run outburst in the fifth. He finished with three hits and five RBI.

Siena fought gamely, scoring in four of its final at bats, but fell short. Chris Klepps finished with three hits, two RBI and two runs scored. Six of his teammates finished 1-for-4 - four had an RBI.

The Saints got a strong performance from spot starter Andy Wells in the night cap. Wells was filling in for regular game two starter Matt Moberg who missed the game due to illness. The sophomore right hander went five innings, allowing just two hits and one earned run while striking out three. After walking the leadoff man in the sixth, seniors closer James Pacifico came on to close the game with two perfect innings.

After McDonough put Marist up 1-0 in the second with an RBI double, the Saints manufactured a run in the bottom of the inning. Moises Rivera led off the frame with a single and catcher Phil Cahill followed with a well placed bunt single. After Eric Mruczek advanced the pair with a sacrifice bunt, Drew Sgro drove home the equalizer with a fly ball to left field.

Jake Willis led off the third with a solo home run off the left field foul pole, providing what proved to be the game-winning run.

Erik Supplee suffered the hard-luck loss for Marist, pitching a complete game six-hitter with no walks and four strikeouts. Willis was the only player for either team to manage a multi-hit game.

Siena's game one setback eliminated the team from MAAC Tournament contention. The Saints had roared back into the playoff picture with four straight wins after an abysmal start to the season, but needed to sweep Marist to qualify for the Championships. Thus, the regular-season concludes with tomorrow's Senior Day tilt at 12 p.m.