Dominate pitching performance by the Jaspers led them to a win.
GOJASPERS / COURTESY
Zeke Jazwinski, Sports Editor
As warmer weather returns and campus life picks up across Riverdale, Manhattan University’s (MU) baseball team has found its stride, bouncing back from a rocky start to build early-season momentum and growing confidence heading into conference play.
The Jaspers secured a series win over Quinnipiac behind dominant pitching, taking the games 6–5 and 2–1. With the victories, MU’s baseball team is beginning to build momentum and looks poised to make noise in the highly competitive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Head Coach Steven Rosen of the Manhattan Jaspers praised the team’s pitching performance in an interview with GoJaspers.
“Have to start with Joe [Duffield] and Hudson [Pergamit] and shout out their outings. Tremendous day on the mound – retired 16 straight hitters to finish the game… Another day of high-level defense – Sosa in right field with a catch of the year type play. Credit to Gury[andel] Salva with two clutch hits and RBIs to power the offense.”
The Jaspers hope to carry this momentum as they continue their season. Pitching has been a strong part of the Jaspers’ reasons for winning. Manhattan hopes to continue their success as they go into conference play.
Vincent Samuel has been a highlight for the Jaspers this season. According to MAAC Sports, “Vincent Samuel crushed his way through a wicked five games was Vincent Samuel, who is in the midst of a five-game hitting streak, combining for 12-for-23 to total a .522 batting average.”
The Jaspers have faced early struggles but have also shown flashes of promise throughout the season. As Manhattan continues to build momentum, the team is looking to turn those moments into sustained success. Picked to finish outside the top contenders in the preseason, the Jaspers are using that slight as motivation and are already making a case as a team to watch in the MAAC.
The Jaspers were not viewed as a major threat in the preseason, according to D1 Baseball.
“Fairfield and Rider figure to grapple for MAAC supremacy again in 2026, but a group of challengers look improved from a year ago, which could make for an interesting race,” the outlet noted.
The Jaspers delivered one of their strongest performances of the season against Columbia, scoring a season-high 17 runs in a statement win—their first over Columbia since 2018.
The victory marked a turning point for Manhattan, which has rebounded after an 0–3 start to reach 9–12 overall and 3–6 in MAAC play. The Jaspers now look to carry that momentum into their upcoming series against Merrimack.
This is a team that has faced adversity and responded with some of their best baseball. If the pitching continues to be a strong spot and the offense continues to build off an impressive showing against Columbia, the Jaspers could look to make a run this year.
Manhattan could emerge as a dangerous team come conference tournament time. With a roster growing more confident by the day, the Jaspers are no longer a team to overlook and may just be getting started.