WAYNE, N.J. | The Rutgers University-Newark baseball team suffered its third consecutive defeat in New Jersey Athletic Conference play, dropping a 5-1 decision at William Paterson University this afternoon. The Scarlet Raiders move to 9-15 (3-8 NJAC) while the Pioneers improve to 20-10 (6-5 NJAC).

The two sides will hopefully resume play, weather permitting, with a return trip to Newark scheduled for tomorrow afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Rutgers-Newark was led offensively by Connor Clare who went 2-for-3 with an RBI while John Klimowich scored the visitors lone run.

Michael Matusz produced a very strong start in what became a no decision as the sophomore hurled seven innings of one-run ball, walking four and striking out five.

Unfortunately, Tyler Searles (0-6) would take the loss after allowing two runs and recording just one out. David Vasquez conceded another two scores (one earned) as he retired the final two batters.

WPU's Corey Martinez (5-0) produced a masterful outing, going the distance while scattering six hits and allowing one run, walking none and striking out two.

The Pioneers got on the board first with a run off a fielder's choice in the bottom of the opening frame but that would be Matusz's only blemish in an otherwise sparkling start.

The Raiders got even in the fourth as Klimowich began the inning by drilling a 2-2 pitch deep to right field, securing a lead-off triple. Clare immediately brought Klimowich home, lifting the first pitch he saw to center for a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 1-1.

The league rivals remained all knotted up after seven and a half innings, however, that would change in the bottom of the eighth.

William Paterson regained its lead on a Carlos Perez RBI double off a full count before Dan Abate broke the contest open with a two-RBI base knock and later scored on an error to clinch the 5-1 victory for the hosts.