Manhattan baseball reclaimed momentum in Pomona, securing an 8-5 victory to ensure they Manhattan evens series with Siena baseball. The win keeps the series deadlock alive heading into the final contest, as the Jaspers relied on a potent early offense and a critical third-inning surge to stifle the Saints’ comeback attempts.
The contest was defined by a stark contrast in momentum. Manhattan utilized a high-powered start to build a cushion, while Siena spent much of the afternoon fighting from behind, despite matching the Jaspers hit-for-hit in a game that saw both sides record 12 hits each.
Trevor Hansen served as the catalyst for the Jaspers’ offense. Hansen finished the day with three hits, including a home run and drove in three runs. His ability to produce in high-leverage moments provided the necessary breathing room for a Manhattan squad that now holds a 12-19 overall record and a 5-12 mark in conference play.
Early Aggression and the Decisive Third
Manhattan set the tone immediately in the first inning, tagging the Siena pitching staff for three runs. The scoring opened with a two-run single from Andreaus Lewis, which was quickly followed by an RBI knock from Hansen to establish an early lead.
Siena, currently sitting at 10-20 overall (6-11 in conference), showed resilience in the second inning by clawing back two runs. However, the Jaspers responded with a definitive blow in the third frame. In a five-hit rally, Manhattan sent five runs across the plate to effectively push the game out of reach.
The rally was highlighted by a two-run blast from Hansen, followed by an RBI single from Dylan Mayer. Ryan Lordier capped off the dominant inning with a two-run double, extending the lead and forcing the Saints into a deficit they could not overcome.
Siena’s Late Surge and Defensive Highlights
Despite the early damage, the Saints refused to go quietly. In the seventh inning, Siena mounted a serious threat, scoring three runs to bring the game within reach. The rally featured an RBI double by Nick Bergamotto and a two-run double from Noah Brooks.
While the offense struggled to find the knockout blow, the relief pitching provided a glimmer of hope. Ryan Taffe delivered a standout performance from the bullpen, tossing five shutout innings of relief. Taffe’s efficiency was remarkable, allowing only two hits and one walk while striking out seven batters, keeping Manhattan from extending the lead further in the closing stages of the game.
| Stat Category | Manhattan | Siena |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 8 | 5 |
| Total Hits | 12 | 12 |
| Key Performer | T. Hansen (3 hits, 3 RBI) | R. Taffe (5 IP, 0 ER, 7K) |
| Series Status | Even | Even |
Analyzing the Matchup
For Manhattan, the victory reinforces their ability to capitalize on “big innings.” The five-run third inning was the mathematical difference in the game, proving that their offense can be explosive when the timing aligns. For Siena, the 12-hit total suggests that the offensive engine is humming, but a lack of timely hitting in the early frames left them chasing the game.
The performance of Ryan Taffe is a critical takeaway for the Saints. Maintaining a shutout over five innings of relief is a high-level feat that stabilizes a pitching staff and provides a blueprint for the defensive approach needed in the series finale.
The rivalry between these two programs often comes down to these marginal gains. With both teams struggling to find a consistent rhythm in their overall season records, these series victories are vital for conference standing and psychological momentum.
For more detailed statistics and official team standings, fans can visit the Siena Saints Baseball official portal or the Manhattan College Athletics site.
The Road to the Rubber Game
The stakes are now set for the final encounter. With the series tied, the upcoming “rubber game” will determine who claims the series victory and carries the momentum forward into the rest of the spring schedule.
The deciding game is scheduled for Sunday, April 12, at 11 a.m. The matchup will take place at Manhattan, shifting the venue and potentially altering the atmospheric dynamics of the contest. Both coaching staffs will likely be weighing their pitching rotations carefully, knowing that the winner of Sunday takes the series.
Expect the focus to remain on whether Siena can translate their high hit count into early runs and if Manhattan can continue to rely on the power surge of Trevor Hansen and his supporting cast.
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