TEANECK, N.J. – The FDU Knights (1-12, 1-0) opened conference play with a 5-2 victory over the Le Moyne Dolphins (0-11, 0-1) in the first game of their three-game series.
Chris Mattioli took the mound for FDU, delivering a solid performance with three strikeouts over five innings while allowing just one run.
The Knights struck first in the bottom of the opening frame when
Nate Dudeck skied a ball to left field that was dropped to bring home
Jimmy Mantuano, giving FDU an early 1-0 lead.
Le Moyne responded in the fourth, capitalizing on a passed ball to even the score at 1-1. However, the tie didn't last long. In the bottom half of the inning, sophomore
Joey DiMotta launched a solo home run over the right-field fence to put the Knights back on top.
The Dolphins managed to tie the game again in the seventh, but FDU wasted no time reclaiming control. The Knights loaded the bases with disciplined at-bats and smart situational hitting before
Travis Stroh delivered a clutch RBI single to center field, making it 3-2. Mantuano followed with a two-run single to right, extending FDU's lead to 5-2.
Right-hander
Ethan Rembish took over in relief of Mattioli and was dominant, striking out nine batters over four innings to secure his first win of the season.
WHAT'S NEXT
The FDU Knights will play game two of three against the Le Moyne Dolphins on Saturday, March 8 at Naimoli Family Baseball Complex in Teaneck, N.J. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. and will be streamed on NEC Front Row.
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