BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – Senior
James Varela had a memorable afternoon Friday at the LIU Post Baseball Stadium as he recorded 11 strikeouts, including the 300
th of his career, to help the LIU Post baseball team down Queens College 4-1.
The win moved the Pioneers to 22-3 in the East Coast Conference (ECC) play and clinched sole possession of the regular season title. LIU Post is now three wins clear of the New York Institute of Technology who are in second place.
Varela, who is the Pioneers' leader in career wins and strikeouts, brought his career tally to 309 and his season total to 115, just one short of tying his single season strikeout record from the 2018 season.
Junior
Mike Lazos also saw action for the Pioneers, pitching two innings and recording his fourth save of the season.
At the plate the Pioneers were led by senior
Michael Manzione who finished with two hits and two RBI along with senior
Dave Brehm who had two hits and two stolen bases. Sophomore
Christopher Wasson hit his first career home run and freshman Giocanni Ciaccio also had a hit.
Varela gave the Knights' batters problems from the outset, striking out three in the top of the first. LIU Post then took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the frame with Ciaccio scoring after senior
Anthony Vaglica grounded out to third base and Manzione knocking an RBI double to left center.
Varela fanned another two in the top of the second then Manzione made it a 3-0 contest in the bottom of the third after an RBI double down the right field line. Wasson's homer to left field in the bottom of the fifth made it 4-0.
While the Knights were able to add another run, the Pioneers held on for the 4-1 triumph.
Up Next
LIU Post resumes its series with the Knights tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. in a doubleheader at Hennekens Stadium in Flushing, New York.