Bronx, NY - The Dolphins were back on the diamond against Skyline foes after two games against non-conference competition earlier this week. The United States Merchant Marine Academy came to town, with CMSV looking to build on their playoff status against a tough opponent. Both teams played strong, tight baseball in the double header, with the Dolphins taking game one 2-0 and the Mariners following it up with a 6-5 victory.
Senior
Humberto Vela took the hill for the Dolphins in the first contest and put on a dominant performance for his team. The Pasadena, Texas native dominated the Mariners offense, allowing just four hits in a complete game shutout to ensure his team's victory. He also struck out two batters over the seven inning affair. The Dolphins didn't need much from their offense, but it came in a major way. Senior
Michael Grisanti continued his ascension atop the all-time leader board, as he belted a fourth-inning two run shot over the left field fence to give his team all the run support they needed.
The second game featured more offense but was equally as tight. CMSV jumped out to an early one run advantage when senior
Jake Blinstrub wrecked havoc on the basepaths. After reaching base after a walk, Blinstrub stole second, and an errant throw allowed him to use his legs to reach home. After
Isidoros Bartziokas (double) and
Eric Zimmermann (walk) got on base in the bottom of the third, senior
Tyler Paulino doubled them both home to make it a 3-0 game.
USMMA would plate five runs from the top of the fourth until the top of the seventh, but the Dolphins wouldn't go down quietly, with Zimmermann and Kennedy driving home runs to tie the game late. After a ninth inning single gave USMMA the lead, the Dolphins had the chance to knot it up once more with the tying run on the bases, but the Mariners were able to close to out for the win.
Dolphins ace
Andrew Geiger allowed three runs to go along with nine strikeouts in six innings.
Chris Mantione impressed in his 2.1 innings of relief.
CMSV will turn their attention to top seeded St. Joe's Long Island, who they'll take on in a double header tomorrow afternoon.