Although they were not able to win their previous series against Siena, Iona baseball returned to play Fordham.

After their first matchup this season against the Rams was cancelled due to a rainout, the Gaels went to the Bronx; where they registered an impressive 7-4 win.

Iona took an early 3-0 lead in the first inning led by rookie first baseman freshman Christian Choman, whose two-run triple gave the Gaels the early advantage.

After Fordham scored two runs in the bottom of the third, the Maroon & Gold came back with runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Freshman shortstop Vinny DeMaria gave the Gaels a two run advantage following an RBI hit in the fourth inning, before senior Matt Kriss drove in a run with a two-out single.

Despite a rally from the Rams that allowed them to get within two runs, Iona prevailed to win their second consecutive game against Fordham in as many years.

Kriss, who pitched three innings with six strikeouts, recorded the win. The win was the first in Kriss’ collegiate career.

Iona then took on Seton Hall. The Pirates took a 2-0 lead through six innings thanks to runs in both the second and sixth innings. The Gaels responded with two runs of their own in the top of the eighth inning. Kriss and freshman Travis Mistretta each had hits to tie the game.

In the bottom of the inning, a two out, two run single from Pirate Anthony Elia gave Seton Hall a 4-2 lead, which they held onto for the win.

With MAAC play starting, the Gaels traveled to Poughkeepsie to face Marist.

In the first game of the doubleheader, Iona lost 14-4, with the Red Foxes scoring nine runs in the second and third innings.

During the second game of the day, Iona was able to win 6-1 thanks to a strong pitching performance from junior Eddie Macaluso. The southpaw threw a complete game, giving just six hits along with the run in the win.

The Gaels took the lead due to a five-run fourth inning during which Iona scored three runs with two outs.

In the series finale, Iona lost 10-1. Marist took an 8-0 lead during the first inning, to subdue the Gaels.

With their series at Marist completed, Iona returned to the diamond to play in a non-conference series with Central Connecticut.

The Gaels fell behind early to the Blue Devils, who scored runs in the first and second innings to build a 2-0 lead. The home side took a 3-0 lead, which they went on to win the game by.

The following afternoon, the Gaels lost 14-4, with a combined nine runs between the third and fifth innings to silence the Gaels.

Despite the poor stretch by the Gaels, the team is looking at how it has improved over the last few weeks as a boost going forward.

“We need to remain focused and realize we still have some games left to play,” junior Joe Torres said. “We are a good team and we should have more wins on our actual record. The most important thing is that we need to make sure no one gets down on themselves and make sure we do get some more wins before the season ends.”

Iona will play their next games in the MAAC at Fairfield between May 4 and 5. They will play their next home game on May 16 against Saint Peter’s.