LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ - Behind a six-run third inning and a perfect 4-for-4, five-RBI performance from Matt Leahy, the Rider baseball team pulled away for a 15-7 victory over the Canisius Golden Griffins to secure the series win on Sunday afternoon. The Broncs improve to 15-7 (10-2 MAAC) while Canisius falls to 6-15 (3-6 MAAC).

Canisius jumped out to an early lead, scoring twice in the first inning.

The Broncs answered in the second, using an error and a walk to set up Austin Cannon's RBI single and Matt Leahy's base hit to tie the game at 2-2.

Canisius briefly reclaimed the lead with a run in the third, but Rider responded with a decisive inning in the home half. Back-to-back singles from Kyle Neri and Anthony Paskell set the table before a wild pitch moved both into scoring position. Nick Shuhet came through with a two-run triple to give the Broncs the lead, and a sacrifice fly from Charley Magoulick extended the advantage. Rider kept the pressure on, drawing multiple walks and adding RBI hits from Leahy, Will Gallagher, and Neri to cap a six-run frame and open up an 8-3 lead.

The Golden Griffins trimmed the deficit with two runs in the fifth, but Rider answered right back. After back-to-back walks, Erich Hartmann sent a three-run rocket to right-center field to extend the lead to 11-5

Canisius added a run in the eighth, but the Broncs continued to pour it on late. With the bases loaded, Leahy capped a perfect day at the plate with a bases-clearing triple, and another run scored on an error to push the advantage to 15-6.

The Golden Griffins scratched across a run in the ninth, but it was not enough as Rider secured a 15-7 victory and the series win

Quotes and Notes
"I thought we were swinging the bat better today, and a few guys had a big day. Leahy especially had a big day. Offensively, the six-run third inning gave us momentum, and Erich's home run helped us create some separation. I felt like we were the better team today. Anytime you can win a series, no matter the opponent, it's important. Now our focus shifts to Delaware in the opening round of the LBC on Tuesday, and then a short week since we play Marist on Thursday." - Acting Head Coach Dr. Barry Davis

- Gallagher and Neri each extended their on-base streaks to 21 games, while Anthony Paskell pushed his hitting streak to 10 games. 
- Neri and Eliot Medlock also stretched their hitting streaks to nine games, as all nine starters recorded at least one hit.
- The Broncs hit the 10-run mark for the ninth time this season and secured their fourth MAAC series win. 
- Christian Aiello earned the win in relief, improving to 6-1 on the year.

Broncs by the Numbers
- Rider totaled 16 hits in the contest, led by Matt Leahy's perfect 4-for-4 day with a game-high five RBIs. 
- Paskell added three hits, while Neri and Erich Hartmann each recorded two hits.
- Will Gallagher, Nick Shuhet, Charley Magoulick, Medlock, and Austin Cannon each contributed a hit.
- Hartmann drove in three runs, with Shuhet adding two RBIs. 
- Neri, Gallagher, Magoulick, and Cannon each had in an RBI.
- Clayton Poliey made the start, tossing 4.2 innings while allowing five runs on six hits.
- Aiello provided 3.1 innings of relief, allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts to earn the win. 
- Chris Montone closed it out, working the final inning.

Up Next
Rider returns to action on March 31, traveling to face Delaware in the opening round of the Liberty Bell Classic. 
First pitch is set for 5 p.m. on ESPN+.