The Merrimack College baseball team defeated Canisius 7-0 in the opening round of the MAAC Baseball Championships at Heritage Financial Park on May 20. With this win, Merrimack advanced to face top-seeded Rider on Thursday at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
This victory was led by right-handed starter James Borsari and relievers Colby Barker and Michael Bradshaw, who together allowed only four hits throughout the game. Borsari pitched four shutout innings, while Barker came in for 2 and two-thirds frames before Bradshaw closed with an inning and a third.
Barker earned the win and set a new program record for wins in a season with nine. The pitching staff’s performance was supported by strong offensive play from the Warriors. In the first inning, Merrimack scored two runs, aided by Canisius errors that led to a run-scoring single from Jayden Hamilton.
Brooks Craigue and Joey Frammartino each had two hits and two runs batted in during the game. Both players hit back-to-back two-run doubles during Merrimack’s four-run seventh inning, which extended their lead to 7-0 after seven innings played.
Matt DeShiro reached base three times through a single, walk, and being hit by pitch. Christian Scanlon walked twice and scored twice for Merrimack as well.
The result positions Merrimack to continue its run in the tournament against Rider, with momentum from both pitching strength and consistent offense.
