PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. – On Friday, Pace University Baseball split a Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) doubleheader with No. 17 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), earning a 14-5 victory in game one before falling 3-2 in a nine-inning game two that was originally scheduled for seven innings. The Setters showcased both explosive offense and strong pitching across the twin bill, highlighted by a historic performance from
Manny Carreras, who drove in six runs in the opener to set a new program freshman single-season RBI record with 47 total. Pace moves to 22-23 overall heading into the regular-season finale.
Game One
Pace wasted no time taking control, scoring three runs in the first before delivering the decisive blow in the second inning.
After the early lead, the Setters broke the game open when Carreras launched a grand slam to right field as part of a four-run second, extending the advantage to 7-0. Carreras finished 3-for-5 with six RBIs and four runs scored, leading a 12-hit offensive effort.
The Blue and Gold continued to add on, scoring two runs in the fourth and erupting for four more in the sixth to push the lead to 13-4.
Justin Crispino and
Cristian Rodriguez each recorded multi-hit performances, while
Benjamin Tullo added two hits and an RBI as Pace totaled 14 runs on 12 hits.
On the mound,
Joe O'Toole earned the win in relief, tossing three innings and allowing just one earned run, while the bullpen combined to hold Southern New Hampshire in check after a brief sixth-inning rally.
Game Two (9 innings)
The second game shifted into a tightly contested battle that extended beyond its scheduled seven innings.
The Penmen struck first with two runs in the second, but Pace answered in the fourth. Sweppenhiser reached and Tullo followed with a double before
Brian White delivered a clutch two-run single to even the score at 2-2.
From there, both teams traded scoreless frames as
Aidan Kempf delivered a standout performance, working eight innings while allowing just two runs and striking out nine to keep the Setters within reach.
With the game still tied after seven innings, the contest moved into extras. Southern New Hampshire broke through in the ninth with a go-ahead RBI single to take a 3-2 lead. Pace threatened in the bottom half, putting the tying run on base, but could not find the equalizer as the visitors held on.
White accounted for both runs in the nightcap, while
Rocco Cimino and Tullo each recorded extra-base hits in the effort.
Carreras' record-setting performance headlined the day, as the freshman continues to anchor the middle of the lineup and now holds the program's freshman RBI record with 47 on the season. His big day helped surpass the previous mark of 41 set by Doug Hehner in 2001, further cementing one of the most productive rookie seasons in program history.
The Setters close out the regular season on Saturday with a Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) doubleheader against Southern New Hampshire University beginning at 12:00 p.m. Senior Day will be recognized prior to game two.
