NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Behind the starting arms of Michael Sansone and Jake Noviello, the No. 25 Fairfield University Baseball team earned their 30th win of the season as they swept a doubleheader at Niagara by 1-0 and 4-1 final scores, improving to 30-1 on the year. The duo combined with Eli Oliphant and Bryson Cafaro held the Purple Eagles offense to just one run on eight hits over the 16 innings of the day. Offensively, Mike Caruso provided the power with a game deciding solo homer in the opener on a 4-for-7 day.
 
"Pitchers were the story of the day," Head Coach Bill Currier said. "The pitchers did a great job. Sansone, Novi, the relievers came in to do the job too, we gave up just one run all day. They were the story of the day."
 
 
Game One: Fairfield 1, Niagara 0
 
In a classic pitcher's duel, Michael Sansone outshined the competition as he hurled a complete game four-hit shutout. The southpaw battled throughout the game and made the big pitches when he needed to as Niagara stranded six runners in the seven inning game.
 
After allowing just a bunt single over the first three frames, Sansone had to bear down in the fourth as the Niagara had runners on second and third with nobody out. Sansone would strike out the next two hitters before retiring the side with a groundout to second.
 
Every pitcher's duel also needs it's offensive moment as that was provided by catcher Mike Caruso. The senior launched a two out solo homer in the second, which proved to be the only offense of the game. The solo blast was Caruso's third of the season and helped raise his average to .432, still ranking in the top-10 in the country.
 
Sansone had to battle one more time to earn his complete game shutout victory, and his biggest challenge came in the sixth. Niagara loaded the bases with one out, with the go-ahead run standing in scoring position. Sansone would strike out the pinch hitter and then fully got out of the jam with a fly out to right.
 
Sansone would ride that momentum and retire the side in order in the seventh with two strikeouts. In total, the southpaw would strike out six and boost his season record to a perfect 7-0 while lowering his ERA to 2.27.
 
Caruso was the offensive star for the Stags with a 3-for-3 outing in the opener, accounting for three of the team's four hits.
 
 
Game Two: Fairfield 4, Niagara 1
 
Jake Noviello carried the baton for the pitching staff as he tossed seven innings of one run ball in the finale, leading the Stags to their 30th win of the season.
 
After allowing a run on two hits in the first inning, Noviello would settle down after getting a fly out to strand the bases loaded. Niagara would not have another chance after that as the junior retired 18 of his final 21 batters with just one hit over that span. In fact, Noviello would not allow another hit after a leadoff single in the second.
 
As they have done all season long, the Stags immediately responded with two runs in the second to gain the lead. Caruso was once again at the forefront of the rally as his RBI single up the middle scored Mike Becchetti to tie the game. Mike Handal would plate the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly.
 
Despite Noviello cruising, the Stags were not able to add on to their lead until the eighth. Justin Guerrera roped a line drive down the line, scoring Dan Ryan for a RBI double.
 
Fairfield would add one more insurance run in the ninth as Ryan beat out an infield single allowing the fourth run of the game to score.
 
Eli Oliphant would enter trying to close the door for the Stags and immediately produced an inning ending 6-4-3  double play to preserve the lead. He would retire the side in the ninth without allowing a hit as he picked up his third save of the season.
 
Noviello struck out six in his seven innings and would lower his ERA to 1.34 while improving to a perfect 7-0 record. As a team, the Stags now hold a 2.43 team ERA with the opposition batting .193 against the Stags.
 
The win clinches their fifth 30 win season in program history, with all of those coming in the 10 years under Bill Currier. The Stags and the Purple Eagles will close out their four game series with another doubleheader on Sunday starting at noon.