Siena Baseball (6-11) fell to Rider University (9-5) by a final score of 12-7 on Sunday at Sonny Pittaro Field in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Despite a six-run rally in the eighth inning, the Saints were unable to overcome Rider's five-run sixth inning and two home runs.
Rider University broke open what had been a tight contest in the sixth inning. The Broncs began the scoring in the frame with a sacrifice fly by Jack Leahy before Will Gallagher delivered the decisive blow with a grand slam to extend the lead.
Siena mounted its comeback attempt in the eighth inning, erupting for six runs.
Nick Bergamotto delivered a key two-RBI single, while
Gavin Thorburn added an RBI single to help narrow the deficit. Earlier in the game,
Vincent Venditti put Siena on the board with an RBI single in the fifth inning.
Despite the late offensive push, Siena left several scoring opportunities on base and committed a costly defensive error in the eighth inning that allowed Rider to maintain its advantage. At the plate,
Vincent Venditti finished with two RBIs and drew two walks.
Nick Bergamotto paced the Saints offensively with three hits and two RBIs, while
Matt Thorsen added two hits, scored a run, and stole three bases.
On the mound,
Ryan Lundari started for Siena and pitched five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out two batters.
For Rider, Will Gallagher led the offensive effort with two hits, including the grand slam, and four RBIs. Eric Hartmann added a home run while scoring two runs and driving in two, and Anthony Paskell reached base four times with two hits and two walks while also stealing a base.
Chris Poliey earned the win for Rider after allowing one earned run on seven hits over five innings with two strikeouts. Chris Aiello secured the victory in relief.
Richie Paltridge was charged with the loss for Siena after allowing four earned runs on five hits and one walk in 1.1 innings.
Siena will return to action on Tuesday, Mar. 17, when it travels to face Binghamton at 3 p.m. in Vestal, NY.
