FISHKILL, N.Y. – The Canisius baseball team pushed its record to .500 on Saturday as it recorded a doubleheader sweep of Manhattan in Fishkill N.Y. The Griffs improved to 15-15 overall and 6-2 in MAAC play, while Manhattan dropped to 7-19 overall and 1-4 in conference action.

The two wins looked similar for Canisius, as the squad took leads late in both contests, using a three-run rally in the top of the ninth to record a game one win, while the Blue and Gold scored two in the top of the sixth in the second contest, to earn the two-game sweep.

In the first game, Josh Shepley got the start and worked five innings and allowed five hits, one run and recorded three strikeouts in the no-decision.

Tyler Smith came on in relief in the seventh inning and recorded the win to improve to 4-1 this season, as he pitched two innings, allowed just two hits and one run to go along with one strike out.

After the Griffs took the lead in the top of the ninth the Blue and Gold called upon its closer, Iannick Remillard to shut the door, as he pitched a perfect frame, to earn his seventh save of the season.

In the top of the ninth, with Manhattan leading 2-1, Canisius manufactured a three-run rally, thanks to a two run single by John Conti. Tim Kensinger capped the rally one batter later as he singled to the shortstop to drive in Conti, as the squad bested Manhattan 4-2.

Both Kensinger and Wilson led the Griffs in hits with a pair each. Conti's pair of RBI paced the squad in that category with Kensinger and Joseph Preziuso also chipping in an RBI.

In game two Alex Godzak had his best outing of the 2016 season, as he worked 3.1 innings, and allowed just three baserunners. He also fanned five in the no-decision.

Aaron Casper picked up where the senior left off, working two innings and yielding just one hit and two walks in his appearance, as he earned the win (3-0).

For the second-straight game Remillard came on and recorded the save. He pitched 1.2 innings, allowed one hit and fanned two in the win. With a pair of saves today, he is now just three away from setting the new program record held by Jon Fitzsimmons (22).

Offensively, Jack Massa's two RBI single to centerfield in the top of the sixth gave the Griffs the lead late in the game, with Kensinger coming around in the seventh thanks to a throwing error by the Jaspers.

Once again Kensinger was a sparkplug at the top of the lineup, registering two hits in four at bats. Anthony Massicci also recorded a pair of hits in game two. Massa was the only Griffs player to notch RBI in the win.

Cnaisius will attempt the three-game sweep on Sunday as the squad takes on Manhattan at noon at Dutchess Stadium. With the wins today, the Blue and Gold have now won seven straight at Dutchess stadium, dating back to the 2015 MAAC Championship.