Queens, N.Y. - The Queens College baseball team earned its first East Coast Conference win of the season with a doubleheader split against LIU Post on Saturday.  The Knights won the opener, 4-3 and lost the second game, 11-0.

Game One

Things got off to a good start for the Knights in game one, as they jumped to a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Nick LoBello (Baldwin, N.Y./Baldwin) ripped a two-out single through the left side.  The next batter, freshman designated hitter, Mike O'Dwyer (Floral Park, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) lifted a flyball to right field that the right fielder misplayed for an error.  The ball landed safely near him and O'Dwyer got to third while LoBello scored easily.

The Knights nearly added to their lead just two innings later. Joe Salanitri (West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) opened the third with a base hit through the right side.  Danny Muller (North Babylon, N.Y./North Babylon) walked and they both moved to second and third on a sacrifice bunt from John Eyerman (Merrick, N.Y./Calhoun).  However, both runners were stranded as LoBello grounded back to the box and Warren Kelly (New Hyde Park, N.Y./Great Neck South) struck out.

The Pioneers would take a 2-1 lead on solo homeruns in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively.  They pushed across another run in the seventh to take a 3- advantage as the Knights came up for their final at-bat.

Anthony Mazzella (Wantagh, N.Y./Macarthur) was hit by the pitch to leadoff and Kristian Olivieri (Harlem, N.Y./ Mount St. Michael's Academy)came in to run for him.  Steven Varela (Glendale, N.Y./Christ the King) was hit by the pitch putting the tying runs on base for the Knights.  C.J. Gerdowsky (Brooklyn, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) came through with a clutch single to right field, scoring Olivieri and moving Varela to third.  Salanitri was intentionally walked to set up a force and Muller was hit the by pitch to score Varela and tie the game.  Eyerman followed with a ground ball in the infield.  The Pioneers tried to throw home for the force out, but Gedowsky scored ahead of the throw and QC had a 4-3, come from behind win.

John Dondero (East Islip, N.Y./East Islip) got the start and earned a no decision.  He threw five innings and allowed just two runs.  Peter Cappiello (Glen Cove/Glen Cove) got the win in relief.

Game Two

LIU Post earned a split on the day, with an 11-0 thumping of the Knights in game two of the doubleheader.  Queens College had four different plays collect a hit apiece in the second game.  Jonathan Russell (Boynton Beach, Fla./Buena Vista Community) got the start and was tagged for the loss.

The Knights will look to spilt the four-game-series with the Pioneers on Sunday when the two teams meet in Oakdale, New York.  The first pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.