CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS
WALLINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Manhattan senior Michael Pfenniger’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth pushes the host Jaspers past Canisius, 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Duchess Stadium. Manhattan improves to 23-25 overall and 11-8 in the MAAC as the Griffs drop to 27-19 and 12-7 in conference play.
In the top of the first, Canisius thought it got on the board first as senior Gage Lanning launched a three-run home run over the left field fence, however, he was called out on appeal for missing first base, negating all three runs, and keeping the contest scoreless.
The actual first tally came in the home half of the fifth as senior Brad Valls darted home on a wild pitch giving the Jaspers the 1-0 advantage.
Senior Ryan Stekl answered right back for the Blue and Gold in the top of the sixth with a solo shot to left center to tie the ballgame at 1-1.
In the bottom of the ninth, Manhattan loaded the bases with one out on a walk and back-to-back single before Pfenninger’s walk-off base hit.
Left-handed redshirt senior Joe Jacques received the start for Manhattan on the bump throwing six innings of two hit ball while allowing one run and striking out five. Junior Logan Muratella picked up his second victory of the season as he went the last three frames, surrendering one hit and fanning four.
The Golden Griffins sent their usual game one starter in senior southpaw J.P. Stevenson to the mound as he scattered four hits in seven full innings and striking out seven. Sophomore Will Frank was saddled with the defeat as he fanned four batters in 1.1 innings.
GAME NOTES
• With his solo home run Saturday, Stekl has amassed 354 total bases in his career, putting him into third place in program history, passing Brian Burton (’11).
• Canisius have dropped five games this season via walk-off.
• The Blue and Gold are now 7-7 in one-run contests.
UP NEXT
Canisius and Manhattan finish up their three-game series Sunday afternoon with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for noon.