Newark, NJ| The Rutgers University-Newark baseball team lost a close game at home to The College At Old Westbury 4-1 on Thursday. The Scarlet Raiders fall to 3-6, while the Panthers pick up their first victory of the year evening up their record at 1-1.
Rutgers University Newark (3-6) fell behind early but stayed in the game with a strong pitching performance by Marcus James (0-1). He went six innings, surrendering seven hits and three runs while walking two and striking out three. The run support was limited for James as the Scarlet Raiders were held scoreless through the first five innings. Adam Thompson led the way with two hits and the teams only RBI along with swiping one bag. Michael Streim was 2-for-3 scoring his team-leading the seventh run of the year before exiting the game with a hand injury. The injury occurred after stealing second base. He stood up and favored his right hand, scored, and left the game in the following inning.
Old Westbury (1-1) picked up their first win of the year with the help of six innings of one-run ball from starting pitcher Brandon O'Brien. He surrendered just the one run on four hits while striking out four and walking two. Peter Capel was red hot in this one going 3-for-5 driving in five runs, while Mike Manetta drew three walks and scored a run. Sean Paprocki scored a run as well while having two hits on four at-bats.
After Mike Manetta scored on a Peter Capel single to center field in the first inning, both teams remained off the scoreboard for the next three innings with the dominant play of both starting pitchers.
At the top of the fifth, Sean Paprocki led off with a bunt single. Brandon Wilson singled through the right side of the infield, and both runners advanced to second and third after a passed ball. John Dell'Olio was hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Peter Capel. He singled to left driving home, Paprocki. Shaun Kaminski then reached on a fielder's choice, which brought home the second run of the inning, and the score was now 3-0.
The Scarlet Raiders would get on the scoreboard an inning later in the bottom of the sixth after Adam Thomson ripped a ball over the second baseman's head for an RBI single to bring home Michael Streim cutting the lead to 3-1.
With David Vasquez and Matt Bohenek pitching strong, the two teams' bats once again went silent.
During the top half of the ninth, the Panthers of Old Westbury would score an insurance run. Peter Capel once again knocked in a run with an RBI single.
Rutgers-Newark was able to get the tying man to the plate with two men on in the bottom of the ninth. Anthony Ricardo was all even at 2-and-2 in the count when he took a called third strike from Matt Boheneck to end the ball game. The Panthers defeated the Scarlet Raiders 4-1.
A rematch between these two clubs will take place on Saturday, March 7th, this time at Old Westbury. The first pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
