SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – The Saint Peter's baseball team (5-41, 1-23 MAAC) fell, 2-4, to Seton Hall (15-25, 2-13 Big East) on Tuesday afternoon at Owen T. Carroll Field. The Peacocks showed up ready to play today and tallied nine hits in the contest, while Seton Hall finished with only five.
Saint Peter's struck first and showed consistency at the plate, but a four-run fifth inning from Seton Hall proved to be the difference. Despite limiting Seton Hall to just five hits, the Peacocks were unable to overcome the Pirates.
Alex Manent led the way offensively, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double, while
Bobby Lavely added a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI, and
Steve Polizzi also recorded two hits and scored a run in the effort.
On the mound,
Zaine Toneske delivered a strong start, pitching three scoreless innings with seven strikeouts while allowing no hits. Other than the tough fifth inning, SPU's pitching was on point this afternoon, recording 10 strike outs, five hits and only four walks all game.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Saint Peter's opened the scoring in the third inning when Lavely singled to bring home Polizzi, giving the Peacocks an early 1-0 lead.
Seton Hall then responded in the bottom of the fifth inning with a series of scoring opportunities. An RBI bunt single tied the game before a two-RBI single gave Seton Hall the lead. Another RBI single later in the inning extended the advantage to 4-1.
The Peacocks began their fight to regain the lead in the seventh inning as Manent delivered an RBI double to score
Allen Ramos and cut the deficit to 2-4. Unfortunately, even with Saint Peter's continuing to apply pressure late, they were unable to bring home any additional runs.
In the end, Saint Peter's outhit Seton Hall but could not capitalize in key moments, leaving 10 runners on base. Seton Hall made the most of its opportunities in the fifth inning, and that situational hitting ultimately proved decisive.
UP NEXT
The Peacocks will look to bounce back and finish strong in the last home series of the season against Merrimack. The first game of the conference matchup is Friday May 8, at 3 p.m. ET.
