Box Score
RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Jaspers' sophomore starting pitcher John Soldinger delivered a complete game effort helping Manhattan (2-3) earn a 5-2 victory over Notre Dame (3-4) in their opening contest at the 2011 Coca-Cola Classic hosted by Winthrop University on Friday. Jaspers' third baseman Chad Salem anchored the Manhattan offense batting a perfect 5-for-5 and driving in three runs.
The Jaspers took a one run lead in the top of the third inning when Salem unleashed a RBI single off of Notre Dame's ace Brian Dupra. Dupra, a senior right-hander from Rochester, N.Y, tossed eight strong innings and struck out 10 batters, but the Jaspers worked him for 10 hits.
Notre Dame tied the ballgame in the fifth inning when freshman first baseman Trey Mancini crossed the plate after doubling to lead off the frame. The Fighting Irish took a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning when freshman left fielder Eric Jagielo posted the go-ahead run, after registering a lead off single and later scoring on a fielder's choice.
Manhattan made its move to tie the game in the eighth inning with singles from senior Mark Onorati and Salem, and then senior outfielder Mike McCann delivered a sacrifice fly to get the run through. Onorati finished with two hits and scored two runs in the contest.
The Fighting Irish went to the bullpen in the ninth inning as Dupra turned the ball over to sophomore right-hander Adam Norton. The Jaspers quickly jumped on Norton with Ramon Ortega singling in the lead off spot and Nick Camastro doubled to get a three run rally started. Manhattan went ahead 3-2 when Vega was hit by a pitch with one out and the bases loaded. In the Jaspers' next at bat Salem posted a timely two RBI single to extend Manhattan's lead to 5-2.
Soldinger retired three Notre Dame batters in order in the bottom of the ninth inning to secure the victory. The Bay Shore, N.Y. native recorded three strikeouts and yielded only one earned run.
Manhattan will play the second game of the day at 7:30 when the Jaspers meet Winthrop.