In a chilly afternoon at Smithson Field, the Saint Joseph's baseball team triumphed over Fordham with a decisive 12-4 victory. This win was significantly bolstered by a powerful seventh inning where the Hawks scored seven runs and benefited from Frank Ciccone’s stellar pitching performance across seven innings. The game showcased key moments of tension and excitement as both teams exchanged leads until Saint Joseph's sealed their advantage.
On April 12th, amidst brisk spring air in Merion Station, Pennsylvania, the match began with Fordham taking an early lead through Taylor Kirk's RBI groundout in the third inning. However, the Hawks quickly responded when Joey Pagano drove in Joey Gale with a crucial groundout, followed by Owen Petrich's sacrifice fly which put Saint Joseph's ahead. Later, in the fifth inning, Kirk contributed another pivotal two-run single for Fordham to regain the lead temporarily.
The turning point came in the bottom of the seventh when Saint Joseph's unleashed their offensive prowess. With Carson Applegate hitting a home run and Alex Kelsey delivering a timely triple, the Hawks surged forward. A series of walks, hits, and strategic plays further widened the gap, culminating in a substantial lead that proved insurmountable for Fordham.
Frank Ciccone stood out on the mound, allowing only three runs while striking out eight batters over seven effective innings. His performance was instrumental in securing his fourth win of the season. Meanwhile, Aidan Dowd faced challenges, conceding five runs despite pitching solidly for five innings. Notably, Alex Kelsey excelled offensively, contributing three hits and driving in four runs.
Looking ahead, Saint Joseph's aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for a doubleheader against Fordham scheduled for Sunday morning. Fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling matchups as these teams conclude their series.
With their strong showing, Saint Joseph's demonstrated resilience and skill, proving that they are a formidable force in the Atlantic 10 Conference. As the season progresses, their ability to execute under pressure will undoubtedly be tested further.