LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Baseball split a critical series-opening doubleheader with Iona Friday afternoon at Connors Park. The Saints rallied with three in the bottom of the ninth to walk off 12-11 in the opener, while the Gaels prevailed 9-1 in the nightcap.
With the split coupled with results from around the league, Siena (19-26, 11-15) finishes the day two-and-a-half games out of the sixth and final Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament spot with four games remaining. Meanwhile, Iona (17-26, 13-12) moves into a tie for sixth with Canisius, the Saints final regular season opponent next week in Buffalo.
Game One: Siena 12, Iona 11
Matt Thorsen smashed a one-out, two-run walk off double to cap a three-run bottom of the ninth as Siena rallied to capture a wild opener.
The Saints built a 7-3 lead through five, fueled by a three-run third and four-run fourth. The Saints tallied eight of their 18 total hits in those two frames.
Iona rallied to tie with four in the sixth and, after Siena went back ahead with a pair in the seventh, the Gaels responded once more with another late four-run frame in the eighth to claim an 11-9 lead. Nikolas Mora and Aiden Ciprian each recorded two-run singles in the go-ahead inning.
But with their backs against the wall and their season on the line, Siena answered the call against the top Iona relief tandem. The Saints recorded five hits in the decisive inning, with
Aidan Paradine pulling Siena within one before Thorsen served a ball the other way over the rightfielder's head for the winning hit.
Noah Brooks led the Saints hit parade with four singles, while
Nick Bergamotto stayed hot with three more hits. Paradine and
Louis Percival each knocked in three runs apiece for Siena which overcame five errors and nine Iona stolen bases.
Game Two: Iona 9, Siena 1
A Mora grand slam and a Malachi Costello three-run shot accounted for a decisive seven-run second inning as Iona pulled away early in the nightcap.
The early outburst was more than enough for Luke Lang who went eight strong scattering just six hits and one run while walking three and striking out six to earn the win for the Gaels.
Jake Sparks and
Gavin Thorburn led the Saints with a pair of hits apiece.
Matt Murtagh settled things down out of the bullpen with 6.1 solid innings of relief for Siena, allowing six hits and two runs while walking only one and striking out four.
Likely now needing to both win out and get some help to make the MAAC Tournament, Siena will set its focus on the vital rubber game Sunday at 1 p.m. Prior to first pitch, the Saints will honor their seniors in a pregame ceremony at 12:30 p.m.
