STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Stony Brook baseball coach
Matt Senk is relying on several young position players this season. A pair of his freshmen came up big on Tuesday.
Brett Paulsen and
Derek Yalon drove in two fourth-inning runs apiece and the Seawolves rallied for a 9-4 win against Iona at Joe Nathan Field.
Iona starter Chris Dodrill tossed three no-hit innings before departing with a pitch count of 47.
Stony Brook then erupted for a six-run fourth to take a 6-4 lead.
The Seawolves (5-9) pounced on Quentin Crudo, chasing the reliever without the right-hander recording an out.
Paulsen's first collegiate homer — a two-run shot on an inside fastball — pulled the Seawolves within 4-2. Crudo also issued two walks and hit a batter.
Later in the frame, after Iona inserted left-hander Jason Antalek, Yalon contributed a game-tying two-run single through the right side for his first collegiate RBIs.
Johnny Decker had a go-ahead RBI single. And
Brad Hipsley's bases-loaded walk forced in the sixth run.
"I adjusted my hands to turn on it and had a good result to start the six-run inning there," Paulsen said about the long ball.
Said coach
Matt Senk: "
Brett Paulsen has really played well for a lot of the season. And I think he's only going to play better."
Evan Giordano added a solo homer in a two-run sixth. He has reached base safely in all 14 games this season.
Ben Fero, an America East All-Rookie selection in 2019, earned the win in relief. He limited the Gaels to one unearned run in four innings.
Stony Brook right-hander
Brandon Lashley made his first collegiate start and was charged with three runs on five hits and a walk in three innings.
Brandon Bonanno blanked Iona over the final two innings.
Iona pitchers issued eight walks and plunked six batters.
The Seawolves are right back in action on Wednesday at Joe Nathan Field when they host Merrimack at 3 p.m.
Stony Brook has now won three of four at home since returning from three straight weekend trips to the South to open the season.
"With a young club, it's all kind of new to them," Senk said. "So I don't think this homestand could have come at a better time."
