RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Manhattan surrendered seven runs over the final two innings as the Jaspers baseball team dropped an 11-7 decision to Hofstra (5-10) on Wednesday in Hempstead, N.Y. Jaspers' junior outfielder Mike McCann launched his third home run of the year and freshman Kyle Murphy led Manhattan's (10-7) offense going 2-for-4 at the plate.
Murphy started a two out, three run rally in the second inning with a triple to right field. Jaspers' starting second baseman Will DeRuve singled Murphy in, and then junior outfielder Mark Onorati delivered a two run single. In the third inning, Manhattan tacked on another run when freshman outfielder Joe Rock recorded a RBI single to go up 4-0.
The Pride scored a run in the third inning and posted three more runs in the fourth to tie the ballgame at 4-4. Designated hitter Michael Beers drove in the first run in the fourth and outfielder Scott A'Hara added a two run single. Beers led Hofstra batting 2-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored.
Manhattan regained the lead with a three run sixth inning, which began with a RBI triple from freshman shortstop Nick Camastro. McCann finished off the frame with a two run blast over the right field wall putting the Jaspers ahead 7-4.
Jaspers' starting pitcher Mike Giordano held his own on the mound tossing three innings with just one hit and an unearned run. The Manhattan bullpen surrendered the lead in the seventh allowing six runs. The Pride worked four runs off of sophomore Matt Jordan and Beers added a two-run single off of reliever Tom Moran giving Hofstra an edge it held on to.
Pride reliever Kevin Rigopoulos earned the win pitching 4 2/3 innings allowing three runs with two strikeouts. Jordan was credited with the loss for Manhattan.
The Jaspers return to action on Saturday when the club begins MAAC play with a doubleheader at Marist beginning at 12 p.m.