April 14, 2007
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Juniors Albie DeSimone (Pelham, N.Y.) and Mike Weiner (Easton, Conn.) each drove in three runs while starting pitchers Ryan Calabrese (Wantagh, N.Y. ) and Rob Gariano (Nutley, N.J.) held the Gaels to just two runs on the day as the Fairfield swept a doubleheader from Iona (9-20, 3-7 MAAC) this afternoon. The Stags (8-17, 6-5 MAAC), who snapped a five game losing skid, captured the first game by a score of 7-2 and before downing the Gaels 4-0 in game two.
DeSimone finished the day with three hits, including two doubles, along with three RBI and a run scored while Weiner went a combined 4-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored. Junior Brian Rudolph (Washington Twp., N.J.) also had a solid day at the plate going a combined 4-for-7 with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Calabrese (3-4) scattered five hits over seven innings with three strikeouts for the win in game one while Gariano (2-4) pitched a three-hit complete game shutout with six strikeouts in the second game of the twinbill.
Gariano controlled from the start of game two, setting down the first seven batters he faced. In the meantime, Fairfield started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning as Rudolph crossed the plate on a single by Weiner. The Stags added another run in the bottom of the fourth inning as Rudolph scored on a sacrifice fly by Weiner. Fairfield gained more breathing room in the bottom of the fifth inning by adding two runs. After DeSimone doubled to start the frame, Patrick Hoban (Malvern, Pa.) drove him in with a single to centerfield. Hoban would later come around to score on a fielder's choice by Jason Rago (Fairfield, Conn.). Junior Bobby DiNuzzo was charged with the loss giving up four runs, three earned, on six hits with five strikeouts.
Fairfield got things started in game one by putting three runs on the board in the bottom of the second inning. With two outs and nobody on, Rudolph beat out a single to shortstop to start the rally. Sophomore Dave Brizzolara (Norwood, N.J.) followed with a single to right centerfield. Weiner then singled down the left field line to plate Rudolph. Junior Adam Chilelli (Garden City, N.Y.) was then hit by a pitch to load the bases for DeSimone who sliced a two-run single to left to give the Stags a 3-0 lead.
The Gaels got one of the runs back in the top of the third inning on a single by Joe Lorenzo that plated Kevin McGovern.
Fairfield pulled ahead 4-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning as Tiagwad scored on a passed ball. The Stags broke the game open in the bottom of the sixth inning putting up a three-spot. Weiner legged out a double to right field to start the inning and came around to score on a double by DeSimone one batter later. With two outs and runners on first and second, Peter Allen (Mamaroneck, N.Y.) doubled to right field to clear the bases and put the Stags on top 7-1.
Iona added one run in the top of the seventh on a sacrifice fly by AJ Dederick. Sophomore Doug Ciallella (Clifton, N.J.) came in and closed the door on Iona giving up just one hit and striking out two batters in two scoreless innings of relief. Senior Marty Hand (3-5) took the loss for the Gaels giving up all seven runs, six earned, on 11 hits with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.
In addition to his two RBI, Allen extended his on-base streak to 31 consecutive games.
Weather permitting, Fairfield will host Iona at noon on April 15. Log-on to www.fairfieldstags.com for the most up-to-date event information.
