Box Score 

BRONX, N.Y. - The Fairfield University baseball team saw its ninth inning rally fall short as the Stags dropped a 9-6 non-conference decision to Fordham University on the road this afternoon.

The Stags (2-9) took an early 4-0 against the Rams (7-5). Senior Brian Rudolph (Washington Twp., N.J.) got things started for Fairfield in the top of the second inning as he crossed the plate on a wild pitch.

Defensive miscues by the Rams in the top of the third allowed Fairfield to post three runs on the scoreboard to increase its lead. Senior Albie DeSimone (Pelham, N.Y.) sparked the offense with a lead-off bunt for a base hit. After a sac bunt advanced DeSimone to second, he came around to score on a throwing error. Senior Peter Allen (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) reached on a throwing error which allowed Jason Rago (Fairfield, Conn.) to score. Rudolph followed with a single up the middle to plate Allen.

Fordham got two of the runs back in the bottom of the fourth inning to cut the gap in half. The Rams got to reliever Justin Servino (Mt. Vernon, N.Y.) in the bottom of the sixth inning. After getting the first two outs of the frame, Servino surrendered a single then walked the bases loaded. He walked the next batter, Danny Leach, to force in a run and make the score 4-3. After a Fairfield pitching change which brought Dan Gallagher (Allendale, N.J.) to the mound, Rich Goulian doubled to right center to clear the bases and give Fordham the 6-4 lead.

The Rams added another run in the bottom of the seventh and two more in the bottom of the eighth to open up a 9-4 margin.

Fairfield did not go down quietly with a rally in the top of the ninth inning. Senior Mike Weiner (Easton, Conn.) led the inning off with a single. After pinch runner Bill Rafferty (Guilderland, N.Y.) advanced to second a wild pitch, he touched home on a double by Mike Joyce (Smithtown, N.Y.). Senior Pat Hoban (Malvern, Pa.) then delivered a double to left center to drive in Joyce and pull the Stags within 9-6. The comeback stopped there as J.P. Mack got the final two outs of the inning.

Junior Doug Ciallella (Clifton, N.J.) started the game for Fairfield sprinkling three hits over five innings while allowing two runs, one earned, and striking out two batters in the no decision. Servino (0-1) picked up the loss. Gallagher pitched the final two and a third innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on five hits.

Tom Davis earned the win after allowing just one earned run on seven hits in his six inning outing. He also struck out six batters.

Weiner, along with rookie Tucker Nathans (Warwick, N.Y.) and sophomore Matt Tiagwad (Mt. Laurel, N.J.), each went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Stags. Fairfield collected 10 hits on the day while Fordham had nine.

Fairfield has two more games on its road swing. The Stags travel to St. John's on March 15 and New York Tech on March 16. Fairfield's home opener is March 18 when it hosts St. John's at 3 p.m. at Alumni Diamond.