The New York University baseball team swept visiting Skidmore College on Saturday, May 7, at MCU Park in Brooklyn. The Violets won game one, 4-3, in 11 innings and took game two, 2-1.

NYU improved to 20-21 on the season and has now won six straight games, while Skidmore dropped to 13-25 on the season.

The Violets opened up the scoring in game one with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second. Michael Vokulich roped an RBI double to right-centerfield to plate Jonathan Iaione for the first Violet run. Vokulich came around to score later in the inning when CJ Picerni singled him in.

Skidmore responded with three runs of its own in the top of the fifth. Two of the Thoroughbreds' runs scored on a double off the bat of leadoff hitter Steven Gilbert. Gilbert later scored on a single from Zach Lorenz to put Skidmore in front, 3-2.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the sixth, Iaione appeared to hit into an inning-ending double play to shortstop, but the sophomore beat the throw to first and Ryan McLaughlin scored to tie the game at three.

Both teams put up zeros on the scoreboard until the bottom of the 11th inning when Picerni walked up to the plate with two outs and Billy Griffo on second base. Picerni, a senior captain, crushed a single through the right side to plate Griffo and win the game for the Violets.

In game two, NYU took a 2-0 lead when Iaione hit a two-RBI chopper over the third baseman's head in the top of the first.

The two runs would be all starting pitcher Cameron Serapilio-Frank needed as the sophomore captain tossed five innings, allowing just five hits and striking out seven. Skidmore scored once in the top of the sixth, but Matthew Millus, who earned the victory in game one, struck out a batter with the bases loaded to end the inning. Millus stayed in to pitch the top of the seventh and retired the Thoroughbreds in order.

"It all started with really good starting pitching," said Head Coach Doug Kimbler. "We got a few timely hits, played great defense and together that makes for a pretty good formula for two wins."

Game One Highlights:

- Picerni led the Violets with three hits .

- Starting pitcher Chase Denison struck out six hitters in six innings.

"Chase has been throwing well for a while," continued Kimbler. "He has had four or five very quality starts in a row now and is getting ahead of hitters."

- The Violet bullpen did not allow a hit in their five innings of work. 

- Iaione stole two bases in the win, while Griffo and Picerni each succesfully swiped one.

Game Two Highlights:

- Millus' save was his fifth of the season and 12th of his career.

"For two years we have relied on Matt at the back-end of games," said Kimbler. "We are going to continue to do so."

- The Violets turned a 6-4-3 double play to end the top of the fourth.

- Serapilio-Frank's seven strikouts were a season-high.

"Cam came in today and got ahead of hitters and had a really great start for us," concluded Kimbler. "It is easy to pitch when you get ahead."

NYU and Skidmore will complete their three-game series tomorrow when they meet at MCU Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 pm.