Box Score FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Defending Big East champions St. John's used a pair of four run innings to rally against a Stags' team that grabbed the lead twice in the contest. The Red Storm scored four runs in the second and fifth innings to ultimately grab an 11-7 win over the Stags. Two Stags recorded a pair of hits in the game, with Mac Crispino and freshman Jack Gethings leading the charge. With the loss, the Stags dropped their 14th-straight game against St. John's which dates back to 2005.
Fairfield (4-8) jumped on the scoreboard first when Brendan Tracy jumped on a pitch and doubled down the right field line to bring home Tim Zeng and Kevin Radziewicz to give the visiting side a 2-0 lead. Tracy would later score on a fielding error. The Stags made rookie starter Michael LoPresti work in the opening inning as the righty gave up three hits and walked a batter, but was helped out by a pair of base running miscues by the Stags as two of their three outs in the first inning involved players getting thrown out at second.
St. John's (7-7-1) needed one inning to get into the flow of the game, and then the defending Big East champions scored five runs in a two inning span. Sophomore Jesse Berardi had the big knock of the inning as he tripled two runs to tie the game for the Red Storm.
Trailing by a run in the fifth, the Stags made a comeback. With one out, Troy Scocca and Crispino drew walks, giving Drew Arciuolo a RBI opportunity, and he came through with a run scoring single. Tom Ryan brought both runners home with a two out double to give the Stags a 7-5 lead.
That would be the last scoring for the Stags, as the Red Storm took the lead in their spot of the frame. Berardi tied the game with a single and last year's Big East tournament Most Outstanding Player, Alex Caruso singled home the two deciding runs of the game.
Brendan Harkin and Mike Bonaiuto each had scoreless relief appearances. For the lefty Bonaiuto, his one scoreless inning raised his season total to nine innings without allowing a run.
The Stags will make the trek for their final stop on their season starting road trip when they visit the Blue Hens of Delaware for a three-game series starting Friday at 3pm.
