LOS ANGELES – Senior third baseman Nick Gencarelli (Pompton Plains, NJ/Pequannock) continued his fine start to the 2015 season with three hits, including a double, and an RBI and junior right fielder Cameron Dias (Madison, NJ/Madison) had two hits, including a home run, and scored twice, but Rutgers-Newark lost its third straight game to start the new season, falling 8-4 to Occidental College at Anderson Field Saturday morning.

The Scarlet Raiders (0-3) fell victim to a big inning once again, surrendering four runs in the home third inning, which led to the downfall, as the team continues its nine-game road trip in California.

Besides Gencarelli and Dias, the Scarlet Raiders received two hits from junior second baseman Gerry Patrizio (Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery), an RBI and a hit from sophomore first baseman Chas Bohannon (Springfield, NJ/Jonathan Dayton) and an RBI double from freshman centerfielder Anthony Perconte (Westfield, NJ/Westfield).

Senior right-hander Andrew Nasti (Weehawken, NJ/Weehawken) was the starter and loser for the Scarlet Raiders, pitching five innings, allowing seven hits, five earned runs, three walks and striking out six.

Freshman right-hander Dominick Fazio (Haworth, NJ/Northern Valley-Demarest) pitched two innings in relief and allowed just one hit.

Jake Chambers was the hitting star for Occidental (13-6), blasting a grand slam in the home third inning for the winners. Chambers had two hits and five RBI. Charlie Caccamo had three hits and scored three runs.

Nolan Watson scattered 11 hits over eight innings to earn the victory for Occidental.

The Scarlet Raiders were slated to play the second half of their doubleheader with Occidental later Saturday. They also play the University of the Redlands once again Sunday. The two teams played Friday, with Redlands winning, 12-6.