SPRINGFIELD, MA. – Pace University Baseball responded in complete fashion in game two, pairing dominant pitching with a balanced offensive attack to secure a 12-2 victory in eight innings and split a Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) doubleheader against American International College on Saturday. After dropping the opener, 16-5, the Setters controlled the second game from the outset, moving to 14-17 overall and 9-11 in NE10 play.

Game One
The Setters jumped out to an early lead, scoring four runs in the third inning to take a 4-0 advantage. Anthony Depetro highlighted the rally with a two-run single, while Justin Crispino added an RBI hit to give the Blue and Gold momentum early.

Pace extended the lead to 5-0 in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Depetro. American International answered immediately, erupting for eight runs in the bottom of the third to flip the game and take control.

The Yellow Jackets continued to add on, scoring three runs in the sixth and five more in the seventh to extend the lead. Pace was unable to recover, finishing with seven hits, as Depetro drove in three runs and Crispino recorded two hits in the loss.

Game Two (8 innings)
The Setters wasted no time setting the tone in the second game, scoring three runs in the first inning to take an early lead. Pace continued to build momentum, adding runs in the third and fourth innings to extend the advantage to 5-0.

American International broke through in the sixth with two runs to cut the deficit to 5-2. The Setters responded immediately, delivering a four-run sixth inning to push the lead to 9-2 and regain full control.

The Blue and Gold added three more runs in the seventh to extend the lead to 12-2, closing out the game early in eight innings. Pace combined timely hitting with disciplined plate appearances, totaling 12 hits and drawing 11 walks in the contest.

Justin Crispino and Anthony Depetro led the offense with three hits apiece, while Manny Carreras drove in three runs to pace the lineup. The Setters generated consistent pressure throughout, capitalizing on scoring opportunities in key moments.

Eric Santaella delivered a dominant performance on the mound, tossing seven innings while allowing just two runs and striking out seven. The right-hander controlled the game from start to finish, limiting American International to just one scoring inning.

The Setters continue their NE10 Conference series against American International College on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m.