FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Matthew Bucciero crushed two home runs including a grand slam while Ben Alekson threw 6.1 solid innings leading the Fairfield University Baseball team to an 11-2 victory over Manhattan in the home opener. Along with Bucciero, Connor Scanlan picked up two hits while Luke Spencer led the team with three base knocks.
 
Bucciero also ended the game with a diving grab in right to finish the 11-2 win. Alex Frank and Ryan Maiorano combined for the final 2.2 scoreless innings of relief with Maiorano picking up his second save of the season.
 
"We're especially pleased with the bottom of the order," Head Coach Bill Currier said. "They had some good production today and we're looking to balance out our lineup. Ben was Ben. I think he got a little tired at the end but he pitched a real good game."
 
Spencer started the scoring with a RBI single up the middle in the second. The Stags would regain the lead with three runs in the bottom of the third which was highlighted by a Bucciero two-run homer.
 
Fairfield would break the game open with a six-spot in the eighth which featured a Scanlan sacrifice fly and another run-scoring single up the middle from Spencer.
 
Bucciero capped the scoring with a long grand slam over the left field scoreboard to finish the 11-run scoring contest.
 
Fairfield's all-time RBI leader regained his RBI lead this season as he has now plated 13 runs. He also leads the team with four homers, a 1.009 OPS, and a .588 slugging percentage.
 
He is also one homer shy and seven total bases shy of tying those program records.
 
Alekson allowed just two runs – on two homers – during his 6.1 innings while striking out six. Through the first month of the season, his ERA stands at 0.64 with a 1.09 WHIP.
 
The two teams will play the middle game tomorrow at 1pm.