Uniondale, N.Y. – Graduate student Robert Lucano tossed a masterful 97-pitch complete game shut out this afternoon, leading the 16^th ranked Molloy baseball team past the Setters of Pace University, 3-0, at Mitchel Field. The Lions improve to 30-9 on the season, while the Setters move to 23-14.
 
How it Happened

• After allowing a first pitch leadoff single to Dylan Koch to start the contest, Lucano settled into the game picking off the Setters first basemen leading off to far off second to conclude the first inning.
• In the bottom of the second with one out, senior Anthony Manisero got the Lions on the scoreboard with a solo home run to go in front, 1-0.
• The road team looked for different ways to gain momentum, but Lucano would stand strong on the mound in the third inning. With a runner on first, the left-hander induced an inning ending double play to keep Pace off the scoreboard.
• After sitting the side down in order in the fourth and the fifth, Pace had its best chance to score in the top of the sixth inning, whe the Setters put runners on first and second with two outs.
• Anthony Labita of the Setters slashed a single into left field, sending lead runner on the way home. The trail runner from first dug for third base, but junior JJ DeVito came up firing and nailed the runner at third base before the lead runner crossed the plate, eliminating the run and keeping Molloy in front, 1-0.
• Pace continued to apply pressure in the seventh putting runners on the corners with two away, but once again Lucano would get out of jam generating a fielder's choice ground out.
• In the bottom of the seventh the Lions put together two key insurance runs. Manisero led off the frame with his second solo home run of the afternoon and while freshman Anthony Marsillo stole second, sophomore Sean Welsh broke for the plate and scored to extend the Lions' lead, 3-0.
• The road team once again would try and crack the scoreboard in the top of the ninth, putting the first two men on base, but Lucano diligently induced two fly outs and a game ending ground out to solidify the complete game shutout, 3-0.

Top Performances

• Manisero hit his sixth and seventh home runs of the season.
• Lucano tossed all nine innings allowing nine hits and struck out two to improve to 3-3 on the campaign.

Up Next
Molloy returns to ECC play Wednesday, April 24 as they travel to conclude its four-game series with the Spartans of St. Thomas Aquinas. First pitch from Pomona, N.Y. is set for 3:30 p.m.