Mennella Shines In Loss At Fairfield - Hofstra University Athletics (2024)

Fairfield CT - Freshman Joseph Mennella, making his first career start, drove in both Hofstra runs with a double and a home run as the Pride dropped a 6-2 decision at Fairfield Tuesday afternoon. The Stags scored twice in the third inning and added two more runs in the sixth and eighth innings.

Hofstra dropped to 11-24 with its sixth consecutive loss. Fairfield is 17-17 on the year.

Mennella only had two at-bats coming into the game and picked up his first collegiate hit and RBI with a fifth inning double that scored Luke Masiuk and cut the Fairfield lead to 2-1. He would leadoff the eighth inning with a solo shot to left field that made it a 4-2 game.

The Stags took a 2-0 lead in the third as Luke Nomura doubled in a run and Matt Bergevin had a sacrifice fly. Fairfield loaded the bases in the sixth and got a sacrifice fly from Zach Selinger and an RBI walk from TJ Schmalzle to go up by three, 4-1. After Mennella's home run, Paul Catalano had an RBI single and the sixth run would score on an error in the eighth.

Penn Sealey (0-3) went five innings and allowed two runs on five hits with three strikeouts. Fairfield starter Ben Alekson (3-1) earned the win after allowing one run on four hits over five innings.

In addition to Mennela's two hits, Masiuk and Matt Pelcher each had a pair of hits for the Pride. Dean Ferrarahad three hits to lead Fairfield.

Hofstra is back in action at Marist Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

Notes:
-Mike McKenna struck out four of the six batters he faced in 1 ⅔ innings of relief.
-Hofstra is 11-15 all-time against Fairfield.