The Fairleigh Dickinson University baseball team fell in its 2008 home opener at FDU Field, Wednesday, March 26 in Teaneck, NJ.  Manhattan College topped the Knights, 8-1.

The Jaspers (7-11-1) got on the board early, plating a run following back-to-back doubles in the first.  FDU right-hander Evan Dechant (Asheville, NC/Asheville) (Asheville, NC) was chased from the game after hurling five innings.  The freshman allowed three earned runs, two of which were wind-aided extra base hits to right field in the fourth frame.

Junior outfielder Matt Maher (Peekskill, NY/JFK Catholic) (Peekskill, NY) ? who registered a two-hit showing ? belted a solo shot to centerfield in the eighth, marking the squad's lone run and his second dinger of the year.  Freshmen infielders Steven LaForge (Garfield, NJ/St. Mary) (Garfield, NJ) and Brian Dillon (Sarasota, FL/Cardinal Mooney) (Sarasota, FL) joined Maher with two-hit afternoons.  Junior outfielder Brett Lazar (Commack, NY/Commack) (Commack, NY) also reached twice.

Manhattan freshman righty Mike Tibbetts (Sandy Hook, CT) logged 2.2 innings of relief to record his first collegiate victory.  Freshman outfielder Mark Onorati (Williston Park, NY) smacked three hits, as did sophomore outfielder Kevin Nieto (Miami, FL).  Onorati drove in a trio of runs, while Nieto added two RBI.

Fairleigh Dickinson (2-15) hosts the University at Binghamton in a four-game set this weekend, beginning at 3:30 p.m., Friday, March 28.