FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University Baseball team crushed four home runs in the bottom of the first inning with Matthew Bucciero, TJ Schmalzle, JP Kuczik, and Nolan Colby all leaving the year leading to a 10-3 victory in the series opener over Rider. Ben Alekson picked up the victory with seven strong innings as he allowed just one hit through his first six.
 
"It all starts with Ben," Head Coach Bill Currier said. "He threw well and gave up just one hit through six. He did a good job keeping them off balance and throwing the ball. Obviously, the story of the game was the first inning. The power brigade that spotted us six. It's good seeing hitters get good pitches to hit and barrel some balls early in the game and come out aggressively especially after not playing all week."
 
Bucciero started the power display with a two-run shot over the right center field wall just two batters into the game. Schmalzle and Kuczik went back-to-back with one-out solo shots. Colby finished the barrage with a two-run line drive shot over the right field wall.
 
Kuczik would add two more run scoring hits with a RBI double in the third and a run-scoring single in the seventh. Schmalzle also had multiple RBI with a run-scoring double in the seventh.
 
Luke Spencer capped the scoring with a RBI single in the eighth.
 
That was more than enough run support for Alekson as the Fairfield ace got through seven strong frames allowing just a second inning double through his first six frames. He retired 15-straight batters heading into the seventh before giving up a two-run homer to put the score at 7-3.
 
Alex Frank entered in relief to get the final six outs.
 
Kuczik led the Stags with three hits in a 3-for-4 day with three RBI. Schmalzle also picked up a pair of hits and RBI while scoring a team-high three runs.
 
Colby and Spencer also picked up multiple hits in the win.
 
The two teams will play the middle game of the series on Saturday at 1pm.