Jake Sparks broke a ninth-inning tie with the go-ahead two-run single – and punctuated the massively decisive 11-run frame with a two-run double – as Siena Baseball evened the series with a 20-11 triumph at Sacred Heart in a four-hour, rain-soaked slugfest.
 
Sparks finished with a career-high six RBI for Siena (14-24, 7-13) which matched a season-high with 20 runs scored on a season-best 21 hits. The Saints offense has come alive down the stretch, eclipsing double digit runs in five of their past six games.
 
Siena opened an 8-2 lead with a three-run sixth before Sacred Heart (13-24, 10-9) rallied back. The Pioneers scored in each of the final five innings, including scoring five unanswered to draw even at 9-9 in the eighth.
 
But badly needing a conference victory, the Saints weren't about to let this important game slip away. Siena sent a whopping 16 batters to the plate during their 11-run ninth. The Saints registered six hits and worked six walks – including three straight with the bases loaded – against a quartet of Pioneers relievers in the frame. Not only did Siena bat around in the inning, but 10 straight hitters reached base safely at one juncture in a wild frame.
 
All 10 Siena hitters who saw action on the afternoon reached base safely, with nine recording hits. Seven Saints recorded multi-hit performances, and seven scored multiple runs.
 
Sparks led all players with four hits, while also scoring three times. Matt Thorsen added three hits, three runs scored, and four RBI, while Vincent Venditti was on base five times highlighted by three hits while scoring a game-high four runs.
 
Siena will look to secure a crucial series victory in the rubber game Sunday at noon.