Cold, Wet MAAC Opener Awaits Siena and Rider

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — A frigid and wet Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opening series begins Friday when the Siena Saints visit the Rider Broncs at Sonny Pittaro Field.

First pitch is scheduled for the afternoon, though evening weather conditions are expected to persist with a forecast of 38 degrees and rain.

The Saints (6-8) enter having split their last six games. They are coming off a 14-8 road win at Stony Brook on Tuesday, powered by a two-hit, two-RBI day from shortstop Cannon Vandever, including a home run. Vandever, a key player to watch, has shown recent power despite a .143 average (2 for 14) over his last eight games.

Rider (5-5) looks to rebound from a 16-6 midweek loss at Hofstra. The Broncs have dropped three of their last four. Utility player Will Gallagher is a dual threat for Rider. At the plate, he is batting .333 (9 for 27) over his last 10 games. On the mound, he provided two scoreless innings of relief in the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader loss.

Siena’s offense, which erupted for 14 runs Tuesday, will rely on Vandever and first baseman Cole Hambly, who drove in three against Stony Brook. Rider will counter with a lineup seeking more consistency after being held to four runs or fewer in four of its last five contests.

The series marks the start of MAAC play for both teams. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Siena is projected for a 7-5 victory.

Following Friday’s opener, the teams are scheduled to continue the three-game series Saturday and Sunday at Sonny Pittaro Field.