When facing a hapless opponent, the goal in baseball is to perform at a reasonable level without becoming complacent given the easy going. In Iona College, this is exactly what Fordham faced on Friday, March 8. And perform is exactly what they did, defeating the 0–10 Gaels by a score of 9–2.

After a first-inning triple, slapped by Jake MacKenzie, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’21, drove in Fordham’s first run, the Rams never looked back. Two runs in the first inning were accompanied by three in the fifth and two in the seventh, a pace Iona could not come close to matching.

Working with a constant lead throughout the game, Fordham’s pitching staff had very little trouble. Alvin Melendez, FCRH ’20, pitched the first two innings, giving up one run while striking out three. The majority of the work was shouldered by reliever Matt Mikulski, FCRH ’21, who pitched six innings, giving up one run and striking out four to record his first win of the season. Brian Weissert, FCRH ’20, closed out the ninth with a comfortable seven-run lead to secure the victory.

Following his first-inning triple, MacKenzie would not slow down at the plate. The sophomore shortstop ended up going 4-for-4, scoring two runs and driving in an additional four. It was his first four-hit day in college, and the six runs he took part in accounted for the majority of Fordham’s offense.

In the first game of the Fordham Round Robin, the Rams represented themselves well as formidable hosts. It is difficult to gauge their prospects on this performance, as the Iona Gaels do not qualify as a reputable opponent. However, Fordham’s clear superiority over this lackluster team should encourage fans, as they can now expect a product exceeding mediocrity. This Rams squad will not be one to give away easy wins.

They will play Iona again on Sunday, March 10 before beginning a split doubleheader against Hofstra University on Saturday and Sunday.