Hoboken, NJ (April 29) – Stevens Institute of Technology junior Michael Reyes hit a two-run walk off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Ducks to a 5-4 victory over FDU-Florham in the opener of a three game MAC Freedom series this afternoon at Dobbelaar Field.

The win secured a spot for Stevens (26-12, 12-7 MAC Freedom) in the MAC Freedom playoffs, while the loss for FDU-Florham (19-17, 8-11 MAC Freedom) saw its hope for a spot in the MAC Freedom postseason come to a close today. FDU will still be eligible for a berth into the ECAC Championship Tournament. Selections for ECAC's will be made after the NCAA bracket has been made.
 
Stevens scored twice in the bottom of the first inning on a two run home run by Hunter Silvernail for an early 2-0 edge. FDU, however answered with a pair of runs in the top of the third on a two run single to right by Tyler McCulloch (Berkeley Heights, NJ).

Both pitchers settled in from that point on as FDU starter Christian Capuano (Vernon, NJ) went 8.1 innings, allowed eight hits and five runs in addition to ten strikeouts, while J. Doyle got the start, went five innings and allowed three hits, two earned runs and struck out four. With his ten strikeouts today, Capuano broke the single season record for strikeouts which was held by Chris Keelin from the 1997 when he posted 81.
 
With the score still at 2-2 in the top of the seventh, an RBI single through the right side by Matt Nodoro (Morristown, NJ) plated Sean Wodell (Freehold, NJ), who began the frame with a six pitch walk. Stevens answered once again in the eighth with a solo home run by Ben Tobio to tie the game at 3-3 heading to the ninth.

McCulloch came up with runners on first and second and gave the Devils the lead once again with an RBI double to right for a 4-3 edge. It was Stevens, however, which came away with the win on a single by Thomas Paulich and a two run home run by Reyes.
 
McCulloch ended his day with a 3-for-4 effort at the plate with three RBI, a walk and a double. Capuano took the loss and moved to 4-4 on the season for the Devils.
 
Both teams will travel to Madison tomorrow morning for a doubleheader at 11:00 am to wrap up the three game MAC Freedom series. Prior to the start of the opener, the Devils will honor their senior class.

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