MADISON, N.J. (March 28, 2023) – Senior Michael Reyes had a home run, three hits, three runs scored, and three runs batted in as the Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team defeated FDU-Florham 8-6 Tuesday night in a MAC Freedom contest at Naimoli Ballpark.
Senior Ben Tobio also had three hits as the Ducks had 13 on the day. Stevens is now 10-1 across their last 11 games.The Ducks are also 7-1 in their last eight MAC Freedom games.
The Devils were led by Tyrus Chippendale, who had three hits. He also added two RBI and he scored once.
After a Tobio single and a walk by sophomore Victor Schilleci, Reyes delivered a three-run bomb to right field to get things started for the Ducks in the top of the first inning. It was the fifth homer of the season for Reyes, who is second on the team in long balls behind only junior Christian Kreiser.
FDU matched the Ducks' three runs by scoring three runs themselves in the bottom of the second inning. After an error put runners on first and second, Stevens committed another error allowed a run to come home with two outs in the inning. With the bases now loaded, Chippendale singled to right field which brought home two runs to tie the score.
Reyes hit a lead-off double in the top of the third as the Ducks looked to answer the big inning by FDU-Florham. Kreiser, who was named MAC Freedom Player of the week for the second straight week and third time this season, hit an RBI single to right which gave the Ducks the advantage back. Kreiser has reached base in all 22 games this season, leads the MAC Freedom with 30 RBI, and is slugging an impressive .890, which also leads the conference by a wide margin.
With two outs in the inning and runners on first and third, senior Chris Davis was able to drive in Schilleci from third, who reached on a walk, as the Ducks extended their advantage to two.
First-year William Sotiropoulos earned the start for Stevens as he lasted the first four innings. He allowed two runs on three hits and he struck out three FDU-Florham batters.
The Devils were able to pick up another unearned run in the bottom of the sixth to make it a 5-4 game in favor of Stevens.
Kreiser kicked off the seventh inning with a double to immediately put a runner in scoring position. Junior Jack Irby singled in the next at bat to move Kreiser to third. Davis was then able to deliver a sacrifice bunt to score Kreiser and put the Ducks back up two.
FDU-Florham got the run right back in the bottom half of the seventh as Dylan Hode hit an RBI single.
Stevens gave themselves some breathing room after scoring two runs in the top of the eighth. With Tobio and Reyes on base after taking walks and with two outs in the inning, Irby blasted a ball to left center. He brought in two runs and made his way to second as the Ducks held a 8-5 lead going into the final inning.
The Devils were able to get back a run in the bottom of the ninth, but it was mere consolation as Stevens won their ninth straight game over the home side. Senior Anthony Pron (S, 4) earned his fourth save of the season. He pitched the final frame, struck out two batters, and walked two. He also allowed two hits and gave up a run.
Sophomore Matt Villapiano (1-0) earned his second career win. He lasted 1.2 innings and gave up a run. First-year Erik Sibbach pitched an inning and a third, allowing one run on two hits. He also struck out three batters. Junior Axel Johnson also saw action out of the bullpen. He pitched a near flawless inning as he struck out two batters and gave up no hits.
Jonathan Rodenhaver earned the start for FDU-Florham. He gave up three hits and three earned runs in one and a third innings of work. Anthony Molina (0-2) was given defeat in relief. He pitched 3.2 innings and allowed two runs on four hits.
Up Next: Baseball heads to Widener for a two-game series starting on Friday, March 31 and finishing on Saturday, April 1. The games are scheduled for 3:30 and 11 a.m. respectively. The two teams have never faced each other before. Links for live stats and video are posted to StevensDucks.com.
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