MADISON, NJ (April 17, 2021)- FDU Baseball hosted Stevens Tech in a double header on Saturday afternoon, the first official games ever played on the newly constructed Vincent J. and Lenda F. Naimoli Ballpark, winning game one, 7-2 and falling in game two, 8-6.
 
Game 1- 7-2, W
Senior Christian Capuano started on the hill for the Devils and dominated from start to finish. Capuano went the distance, pitching 7.0 innings and collecting a career high 10 strikeouts while surrendering only three hits. The reigning MAC Freedom pitcher of the week has collected two wins and a save in his last three outing.
 
FDU got on the board in the second, third, fourth and sixth innings, with RBIs from first year Tyrus Chippendale and sophomore Chris Kubas in the first and an RBI double from senior Michael Tufano in the sixth.  Tufano led the way for the Devils offense with two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Seven different starters scored a run and the Devils offense managed to walk nine times in the contest. Junior Tommy Moore cracked a double and Peacock and Chippendale both picked up a stolen base.
 
Game 2- 8-6, L
Senior Joseph Kastner started on the mound for FDU in game two.
 
Steven's offense jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after three innings before the Devils got on the board. Yurista singled to left field, scoring senior Matt Nodoro for an RBI and run scored. The Ducks added to their lead in the fifth and sixth, grabbing an 8-1 advantage. FDU responded in the bottom half of the sixth, starting with a triple from Tufano that scored Peacock and followed by Yurista and Kubas who each knocked two RBI singles to cut the lead to 8-6. FDU brought the go ahead run to the plate with runners on second and third in the final frame but couldn't break through on the Stevens closer. First year Jonathan Rodenhaver threw the Devils final 4.0 innings striking out two and giving up three hits.
 
Seven different Devils collected a hit in the game for a total of ten, led by Chippendale, Kubas and Yurista who each had two apiece. Yurista and Kubas combined for five RBI, three for AJ and two for Chris. Nodoro crossed home twice, and five total players recorded a run scored.
 
Coaches Thoughts
"It was fitting that today was a full team effort in winning our first game at Naimoli Ballpark. We played solid defense, aggressive offense, and a stellar pitching performance from Christian Capuano. We were right there a swing away from tying the game in game 2 in the last inning. All in all, it was a productive day, but we have to bring our discipline brand of baseball at Stevens tomorrow." - Head Coach Jamie Quinn
 
Next Up
FDU travels to Hoboken, NJ to complete the four-game series with Stevens Tech. First pitch of game one is set for 12:00 pm.