PURCHASE, N.Y. – Junior Robbie Lynch (Bronx, N.Y./Fordham Prep) launched a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning to help propel Manhattanville to a 7-5 victory over the College of Staten Island Wednesday.
 
With the win, Manhattanville (5-5 overall) extends their winning streak to four wins since the team returned from Myrtle Beach, S.C. during Spring Break. 
 
Lynch's grand slam was the first of his career and gave the Valiants a 4-0 lead after the first inning.  Staten Island (7-4 overall) battled back with two runs in the second and a single run in the third to make it a one-run game.  Sophomore pitcher Pat Badia (Somers, N.Y./Somers) worked out of a jam in each inning, stranding two runners in each inning to keep the lead for Manhattanville. 
 
The Valiants extended the lead in the sixth inning when sophomore Nick Campana (Yonkers, N.Y./Iona Prep) delivered with a two-run single to centerfield to give Manhattanville a 6-3 lead.  The Valiants tacked on another insurance run in the seventh inning on an RBI double from senior Jordanis Nunez (Bronx, N.Y./St. Raymond).
 
The Dolphins did not go away quietly however, plating two runs in the ninth inning.  With one out and runners on first and third, senior Julian Ponce (Port Chester, N.Y./Archbishop Stepinac) took over on the mound for Manhattanville and promptly delivered a strikeout for the second out of the inning.  Ponce then induced a lineout to end the game and secure the victory for the Valiants.
 
Badia earned his first win of the season after tossing five innings, allowing five hits and three runs.  Ryan Kennedy took the loss for the Dolphins, and Ponce earned his first save of the season for Manhattanville.
 
The Valiants return to action Saturday when they travel to King's College for their first MAC Freedom series of the season.