Flushing, N.Y. – The 14^th-ranked Molloy baseball team dropped its series opener with the Knights of Queens College, 5-4, Friday afternoon at Hennekens Stadium. The Lions move to 34-11 overall and 16-5 in East Coast Conference play, while the Knights improve to 29-15 and 15-6 in league play.
 
How it Happened

• After two innings of scoreless baseball, the Knights cracked the scoreboard in the bottom of the third following a sacrifice fly to take a 1-0 lead.
• The Lions looked to tie the game in the top of the fourth, putting two runners on with one away, but ultimately would not be able to capitalize.
• In the bottom of the fifth, Queens collected two singles to yield three runs in the frame to take a 4-0 lead.
• The home team added to its lead in the bottom of the sixth, with its third RBI single of the afternoon to open a five-run advantage, 5-0.
• Molloy was able to get on the board in the bottom of the eighth. Following a double steal from senior Anthony Manisero and sophomore Sean Welsh, freshman Joe Burriesci singled to right field to plate Manisero and cut the deficit to four, 5-1.
• Moments later, Burriesci used his speed to steal second base and force and errant throw, allowing Welsh to come home to bring the Lions within three, 5-2.
• The cardinal and white would continue to fight in the top of the ninth inning, loading the bases with one out to bring up Manisero. The senior drove a double into the left-center gap to plate two runs and bring Molloy within one, 5-4, with the tying run on third and the go ahead run on second.
• The Lions comeback would be halted there as a fly out and strikeout would end the contest with Queens on top, 5-4.

Top Performances

• Manisero drove in two runs and Burriesci knocked in one.
• Senior Matt Yip drew four walks.
• Junior JJ DeVito collected two hits.

Up Next
Molloy continues its series with Queens College Saturday, May 4 with a doubleheader at Mitchel Field. First pitch of the twin bill is set for 12:00 p.m.