NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Rider University baseball team was victorious in its MAAC opener Friday afternoon, defeating Iona 3-1. The Broncs even their overall record at 10-10, while the Gaels drop to 0-17 overall after falling in what is their first league game as well.
 
Both pitchers were in control early, holding the teams scoreless through the game's first four innings.
 
Brian Skettini (Midland Park, NJ/Ridgewood) reached on an error to open the fifth. Two batters later, it was another Gael error on a ball put in play by Jordan Erbe (Toms River, NJ/Toms River South[UMass]) that scored Skettini and gave the Broncs the lead.
 
In the sixth, John Volpe (Sea Girt, NJ/Wall) opened the inning with a double. Two batters later, he came in to score on a passed ball. Luke Lesch (Gloucester Township, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 3-0.
 
Quotes & Notes
"Papeo was the difference today, he threw strikes."
 
"Offensively, we did little. Give credit to Iona's pitchers today. They didn't walk a batter either, and made quality pitches."
 
"We need to be better, but it's a win." – Head Coach Dr. Barry Davis
 
- Joe Papeo (Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge) started for the Broncs, firing eight innings, scattering seven hits allowing just one run and striking out six while walking no one to earn the win. The eight-inning outing is a career long.
- Cal Stalzer (West Des Moines, IA/Valley[George Washington/Kirkwood CC]) came in for ninth to earn his fourth save of the season.
- Bronc pitchers did not allow a walk for the first time this year.
- The one run allowed is a season-low for the team.
 
Broncs by the Numbers
- Each of the Broncs' six hits in the game came off the bat of a different player.
- Lesch extended his hitting streak to eight-straight games. Socrates Bardatsos' (Ridgewood, NJ/St. Joseph's Regional) hitting streak is up to five games.
- Bardatsos stole his first base of the season.
 
Up Next
- The Broncs continue the three game set against Iona on Saturday at 11 a.m.