BOX SCORE

Staten Island, NY - Monmouth lefthander Nick Meyers limited Wagner to just one run on two hits over 7.0 strong innings of work in leading the Hawks to a 5-3 victory over the Seahawks in the first of four games at Richmond County Bank Ballpark.

Wagner (13-14; 8-5 NEC) had opportunities to rally in each of the final two frames but came up short as Monmouth (13-14; 7-6 NEC) ended the Green & White's home winning streak at 11 games, dating back to last season.

The Seahawks manufactured a first-inning run to take the early lead. Senior Damian Csakai (Freehold Township, NJ / Freehold Township) was hit for the school-record 37th time, leading off the frame. Following a fly out, Csakai stole his 21st base of the year before scoring on junior Kevin McDonnell's (Bristol, CT / Avon Old Farm) single through the right side.

In the top of the third inning, the Hawks tied the game up at 1-1. Danny Avella hit a double to left center. After advancing to third on a fielding error, Josh Boyd's RBI fielder's choice brought Avella around to score.

Monmouth assumed a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning on Nick Pulsonetti's second home run of the year, a solo shot to deep left field.

The Hawks added to the lead with another tally in the top of the fifth inning. With two outs, Ryan Terry tripled down the left-field line. Jamie Rosenkranz followed with a run-scoring single up the middle on the first pitch he saw from Wagner starter RHP Ryan Van Spronsen (Brantford, Ontario / Assumption College), extending the lead out to 3-1.

Monmouth added two more runs in the top of the seventh inning, pushing the lead out to 5-3. With two on and two outs, Mike Casale hit a two-run double to left center, plating Boyd and Rosenkranz while knocking Van Spronsen out of the game.

Wagner would rally in the top of the eighth as freshman Gaby Ramirez (San Juan, Puerto Rico / Perkiomen (PA)) drew a full-count walk while sending the Hawks to the bullpen. Csakai followed with a single through the left side. However, reliever Dan Smith induced a fielder's choice before coaxing an line-drive double play to end the threat.

The Seahawks finally broke through in the top of the ninth inning with a pair of runs on a two-run two-out double to left field off the bat of Jon Lucas (Jr., Hackettstown, NJ / Hackettstown), but could get no closer in falling 5-3.

Meyers (3-1), who allowed just  one single over the first six frames, struck out four while allowing one run on two singles and three walks over 7.0 innings. Terry and Casale each notched two hits, leading the way for an eight-hit Monmouth offense.

Van Spronsen (2-4) took the loss, striking out four while yielding five runs on seven hits and three walks over 6.2 innings. Freshman Dakota Dvorak (Pompano Beach, FL / North Broward Prep) was solid in relief, striking out two while allowing just one hit over 2.1 innings.

Five different Wagner players hit safely, including junior Seth Boyd (Perth Amboy, NJ / Perth Amboy) whose ninth-inning single extended his hitting streak to 10 games.

The teams resume their series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 pm.