STAFF REPORTS
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The Canisius baseball team used a three-run rally in the top of the second inning to take control of the series finale against Kennesaw State, as the Blue and Gold bested the Owls, 8-5 on Sunday morning. With the win, the Griffs improve to 14-9 overall and Kennesaw State drops to 10-14.
The Blue and Gold plated three runs in the top of the second inning, staking claim to a 3-1 lead, and proceeded to chip in five runs to its advantage over the course of the next five frames, as it outlasted the Owls 8-5, despite a late comeback by Kennesaw State.
Canisius fell behind 1-0 early in the first inning, but Canisius newcomers, Stephen Bennett and Jacob Victor helped turn the tide in the next half inning, tallying an RBI double, and a two-run homerun, respectively, to take the lead.
All told, Bennett and Victor combined for two hits, four walks, four runs and four RBI, proving to be a thorn in the Owls side for most of the afternoon.
Liam Wilson led the team in hits as he went 2-of-4 at the dish with a run, while five different Griffs tallied an RBI in offensive outburst.
Andrew Sipowicz got the start and battled through 3.1 frames, allowing seven hits, but only yielding two runs during the stretch. Jared Kennedy came on in relief and worked an effective two innings, allowing just one hit and two runs, as he earned the victory.
Michael Ginther relieved Kennedy as he pitched for a 1.1 innings, and only allowed one hit and one run, as he fanned a pair, while Tyler Smith earned his fourth save of the year, pitching a near-flawless pair of innings, allowing just two hits, issuing two walks, but surrendering no-runs.
The Blue and Gold now head home and get ready for its first home contests of the year, as the squad will host MAAC foe, Monmouth at the Demske Sports Complex on April 1-2. On Saturday, the two teams will clash in a late afternoon doubleheader, beginning at 3 p.m., before concluding the weekend with a single game on Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m.
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