FAIRFIELD, CT – In a rematch of last season's MAAC Tournament Final, Fairfield struck early and never looked back, using a six-run first inning to power past Rider, 10-3, in Friday afternoon's series opener. The Broncs move to 17-11 overall (12-4 MAAC), while the Stags improve to 15-12 (10-3 MAAC).
Fairfield wasted no time in the opening frame, erupting for six runs on four home runs. The Stags opened the scoring with a two-run shot, followed by back-to-back solo blasts, and capped the inning with another two-run homer to take a commanding 6-0 lead after one inning.
Rider answered in the top of the second.
Charley Magoulick worked a one-out walk before
Nick Shuhet doubled to left center, putting two runners aboard. Magoulick later came home on a wild pitch to get the Broncs on the board and trim the deficit to 6-1.
The Stags added to their lead in the third, pushing it to 7-1.
After being held hitless through the middle innings, Rider showed life in the seventh.
Anthony Paskell drew a one-out walk, and Magoulick followed by blasting a two-run home run over the left field wall to cut the deficit to 7-3.
Fairfield quickly responded in the bottom half, scoring two runs to extend the lead to 9-3, before adding an insurance run in the eighth to seal the 10-3 final.
Quotes and Notes
"I thought Fairfield came out swinging it early, and getting down six runs is a tough hole to climb out of. We had some chances late, but couldn't capitalize. We'll turn the page and be ready to come back tomorrow."
- Acting Head Coach Dr. Barry Davis
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Will Gallagher extended his on-base streak to 28 games.
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PJ Craig was charged with the loss, falling to 3-2 on the season.
- Shuhet recorded his 10th double of the year.
- Magoulick blasted his fourth home run of the season.
Broncs by the Numbers
- Rider finished with four hits in the loss.
- Shuhet led the way with a two-hit performance, while Magoulick and Gallagher each added a hit.
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Jack Ruditzky provided 2.1 innings out of the bullpen, allowing four hits and three runs.
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Frank Papeo closed out the game, tossing 0.2 innings without allowing a hit or run while striking out one.
Up Next
The Broncs return to action on April 11 for game two of the series at Fairfield.
First pitch is set for 1 p.m.