Siena Baseball set multiple season benchmarks offensively – and survived several Saint Peter's rallies – to complete its first series sweep of the season with a wild 19-16 victory in 10 innings in Jersey City, New Jersey.
Winners of eight of their last 11, surging Siena (14-22, 10-8) exploded for an even 40 runs over the three-game series. On Saturday, the Saints pounded out a remarkable 23 hits while erupting for their highest scoring output in exactly two years, dating back to a 20-1 victory in seven innings over Dartmouth on Apr. 19, 2023 at Connors Park.
Siena wasted no time offensively Saturday, jumping out to a commanding 10-0 lead in the fourth.
Aidan Paradine and
Jake Sparks each produced three-run home runs in the early onslaught.
But Saint Peter's (8-26, 4-13), which registered 23 hits of their own, mounted a furious rally highlighted by a nine-run home half of the fourth. Tyler Smith and Ashby Vining each recorded three-run homers of their own in the nine-hit frame.
The Peacocks ultimately pulled even at 10-10 in the sixth, but the Saints never trailed. The teams traded crooked numbers over the ensuing three innings, with Saint Peter's answering Siena at every turn, to ultimately force extras.
But when they needed to most, the Saints came through in the clutch to improve to a perfect 4-0 in extras and secure their second straight 10-inning triumph in as many days.
Gavin Thorburn delivered the decisive sacrifice fly, while Sparks and
Noah Brooks each added RBI hits in the inning.
Paradine produced a remarkable day at the plate to lead an historic offensive afternoon for Siena. The catcher led all players by recorded a blistering six hits and six RBI, while also scoring four runs.
Nick Bergamotto added a four-hit afternoon with three runs scored, while Thorburn contributed three hits, three runs scored, and three RBI to headline the offensive deluge.
The 35 combined runs scored between the teams marked the most in a game for the Saints since combining for 40 in last year's season-opening 27-13 loss at Longwood.
Siena continues its nine-game road trip at crosstown rival UAlbany Tuesday with doubleheader action beginning at 2 p.m.
