THOUSAND OAKS, CA – Junior shortstop Patrick Reitemeyer drove in seven runs with a grand slam, a 2-run single and a sacrifice fly as Rutgers-Newark rolled past Cal Lutheran, 22-12, to complete a doubleheader sweep on the opening day of the California Invitational. 

Rutgers-Newark 22, Cal Lutheran 12

The Scarlet Raiders (4-6) erupted for 18 hits against four Kingsmen pitchers in the mercy-rule shortened 7-inning contest. Rutgers-Newark, designated the home team for the nightcap, batted in only six innings.

Junior leftfielder Michael Cassese capped a dozen-RBI day by driving in four runs with a 2-run single in the fifth, an RBI single in the third and a bases-loaded walk in the fourth. He notched eight RBIs and collected three home runs in the 17-12 opener.

Junior second baseman Matt Connors went three for five with two RBIs and scored three times while senior designated hitter Anthony Yeswita drilled a 3-run homer to highlight an 8-run fourth inning. Yeswita added a single and scored in the 7-run second inning.

Senior first baseman Matt Lingo led off the third inning with a home run, slapped an RBI single in the second, walked twice and scored four times. Sophomore rightfielder Chris Ballester went three for five and scored three times while junior centerfielder Michael DiCenso singled twice, walked and score three runs.

Senior third baseman Joe Furnaguera chased Yeswita's fourth-inning home run with one of his own as every Raider starter collected at least one hit.

Sophomore starter Connor Medler (1-1) got the win despite giving up eight runs on eight hits while striking out three and walking three in 4-2/3 innings of work.

On the day, the Raiders erupted for 37 hits, including six doubles and eight home runs, to outscore the Kingsmen (12-9), 39-24.

Rutgers-Newark is at Whittier College at 12:30 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday as the California Invitational continues.