LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University baseball team fell to visiting Canisius, 5-2, on Sunday afternoon in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) action at Sonny Pittaro Field.  

The Broncs (11-26, 6-8 MAAC) dropped their second straight conference series, while the Golden Griffins (24-16, 12-6 MAAC) have now taken three of their last four league series.

With the game tied at two, Canisius erupted for three runs in the top of the eighth. During the frame, the Griffs took advantage of a Bronc error and scored their runs off of Rider reliever Zach Gakeler (Jobstown, NJ/North Burlington).

Rider was unable to muster any offense against the Canisius bullpen with the duo of Will Frank and Tyler Smith closing the door down the stretch.

Trailing, 2-1, in the bottom of the sixth Rider knotted the game at two thanks to a two-out RBI single to left by sophomore Kyle Johnson (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial).

Freshman Vincent Vitacco (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) got the start for Rider. He delivered six-plus innings of solid work to earn a no-decision.  

NOTES & QUOTES
"Vitacco's had two good starts in a row for us. Once he's gotten settled in, he's looked good. He gave us a chance to win. Our starters did okay this weekend. We've liked what we've seen from Vitacco. Today was just his fourth start. He'll get a few more down the stretch. " – Rider Head Coach Barry Davis

- Rider is now 5-6 at home this season.
- The Broncs left seven runners on base and saw two inning-ending double plays.
- Rider had four hits and committed two errors.  

 BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- Vitacco delivered his second consecutive quality start. He's had a no-decision in both instances. He surrendered two earned runs (both in the first inning) while scattering four hits and striking out three Griffs.
- In relief, Gakeler went two and a third innings and surrendered three runs (only one of which was earned). With the loss, he drops to 1-6 on the year.
- Four different Rider batters had one hit apiece.
- Jake Bender and Joe Simone scored the Bronc runs. Bender also picked up his team-leading ninth steal of the spring. He is a perfect 9-of-9 in stolen base attempts in 2018.   
UP NEXT
The Broncs return to action next weekend, May 5-6 with a three-game series against Siena in Loudonville, New York. Rider and Siena open the set up with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at noon.