NEWARK, NJ – Rutgers-Newark erupted for three runs in the top of the first inning and got rock-solid pitching from Connor Medler and Michael Hansen to down Scranton, 7-2, and earn a doubleheader split in Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. 

Rutgers-Newark 7, Scranton 2

Sophomore right-hander Medler (3-1) threw six innings of 3-hit baseball, striking out four and walking three, before turning the keys over to senior closer Hansen who struck out two while facing the minimum in the top of the seventh.

Medler allowed both runs on two walks and a pair of singles in the top of the first. After loading the bases in the second on a walk, a hit batter and a single, he retired the final 13 batters that he faced.

Junior shortstop Patrick Reitemeyer, who went three for four, started a 3-run first for the Raiders by singling between walks to junior leftfielder Michael Cassese and senior designated hitter Anthony Yeswita. Senior first baseman Matt Lingo stroked an infield single to third to plate Cassese before sophomore catcher Anthony Palladino slapped an RBI single to right to plate the tying and game-winning runs.

The Raiders added two runs in the fifth when Cassese walked and Reitemeyer singled. The duo pulled a double steal before Cassese scored on a wild pitch which put Reitemeyer on third. Reitemeyer then stole home to make it 5-2.

Cassese and Reitemeyer had RBI 2-out RBI singles in the sixth to cap the scoring.

Rutgers-Newark (6-9) hosts Stevens in Riverfront Stadium on Sunday at noon in a single game.