STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.- The Caldwell University baseball team split a non-conference doubleheader against the College of Staten Island to kick off their 2023 season. The Dolphins won the opener 7-2, while Cougars took the nightcap 15-2.
 
The Cougars open the season at 1-1, while the Dolphins move to 2-7.
 
In the opener, junior Zach Saunders (Adelphi, Md.) went 2-for-3 with a double as part of Caldwell's six hits in the game. Freshman Christian Petino Jr. (Flemington, N.J.) singled in the first Cougar run of the season in the third inning with an RBI single to score freshman Malik Little (Bergenfield, N.J.), who singled earlier in the inning.
 
The Cougars added a run in the seventh as junior Noah Putney (Glassboro, N.J.) added a run scoring ground out.
 
Sophomore Brandon Scalisi (New City, N.Y.) got the season opening start on the mound, tossing four innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits with two strikeouts.
 
In the nightcap, the Cougars rapped out 13 hits, scoring 15 runs to even their season record. Putney wet 3-for-4 with a double and three runs scored. Saunders followed up his 2-for-3 opener, by again going 2-for-3 in game two with a double, three runs scored and two RBI.
 
Sophomore Santo Anzalone (Middle Village, N.Y.) went 2-for-5 with three RBI, while freshman Christopher Bayo (Miami, Fla.) collected his first three collegiate hits with a 3-for-4 performance and two RBI. Senior Michael Lazzaro (Toms River, N.J.) went 2-for-3 with three RBI in the win.
 
Freshman John Rigas (Lincoln Park, N.J.) got the start on the mound, tossing four innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits with three strikeouts to earn his first collegiate victory.
 
The Cougars and Dolphins will renew acquaintances with Caldwell playing host to a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 8 at 1 pm at the Kiwanis Oval.