CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Three Golden Griffins recorded multiple hits, but it was not enough, as the host Monmouth Hawks tripped up Canisius, 4-2 Friday afternoon at MU Baseball Field. With the defeat, the Griffs are 13-8 overall, while Monmouth improves to 6-14 on the season. Both squads sit at 2-2 in MAAC play.
Canisius senior Ryan Stekl got the action started in the top of the third inning on what turned out to be a dreary day with both sides battling the elements. The Lancaster, N.Y., shot a two-out double to left field, bringing around redshirt-senior Liam Wilson to give the Griffs the 1-0 early advantage.
Monmouth took the lead in the bottom of the frame after junior Kyle Norman singled up the middle to score teammate Justin Trochiano. Redshirt-senior Shaine Hughes followed a few batters later with a ground-out to third base, however Norman was able to dart home to give the Hawks a 2-1 lead.
In the top of the fifth inning, Stekl recorded his second hit of the contest with a single to left center, allowing juniorMark McKenna to race around third to knot the game at 2-2.
The Hawks scored in home half of the same inning on a Canisius error to go ahead 3-2.
Monmouth senior Pete Papcun added an insurance run in the sixth, as he blasted his fifth home run of the season over the left field fence to put the home team up 4-2.
Senior Charlie Sobieraski got the ball for the Blue and Gold. The 6-foot-5 right-hander went seven innings, allowing four runs, scattering eight hits and struck out four.
Monmouth starter Ricky Dennis earned the win on the bump after he gave up two runs on eight hits in six innings of work to go along with four strikeouts.
GAME NOTES
• With his two hits on Friday, Wilson has reached base in all 21 games this season and 23 times in his last 24 games, dating back to last year.
• Wilson recorded two doubles Friday giving him 45 in his career, which ties him for third place all-time in program history.
• With a walk on Friday, redshirt-senior Christ Conley has now received 89 free passes in his career, moving him into sole possession of ninth place in school history, passing former Griff Brian Burton.
• Conley’s on-base streak now stands at 12-straight games with his single and base on balls Friday
UP NEXT
Canisius concludes the three-game series with Monmouth on Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch of the twin bill is set for noon. Both games will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
