NEWARK, NJ - Rutgers-Newark baseball put a stop to its three-game skid, as it defeated Stockton University twice this afternoon to complete the doubleheader sweep and open New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play with a 2-0 record.
Game 1: Rutgers-Newark 7, Stockton 6
In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Rutgers-Newark edged Stockton, 7-6, in the first game of a Saturday afternoon doubleheader. Despite a late charge from Stockton, the Scarlet Raiders hung on for the win in a game that featured plenty of offense and tense moments on the mound.
Rutgers-Newark came out strong, taking a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Stockton responded quickly, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom half of the frame. After a scoreless second inning, Stockton seized control of the game with a four-run outburst in the bottom of the third, moving ahead 5-2.
But the Scarlet Raiders were not about to back down. Rutgers-Newark mounted a comeback in the top of the fifth when
Michael Weinbel blasted a two-run home run, cutting the lead to 5-4. Then, in the top of the seventh, Rutgers-Newark surged ahead with a three-run rally to take a 7-5 lead.
Dario Morales and
Tommy Ruth were pivotal in the inning, driving in one run apiece to help push the Scarlet Raiders into the driver's seat.
Stockton made one final push in the bottom of the seventh, scoring a single run to close the gap to 7-6. However, Rutgers-Newark's pitching staff stood tall, and the Scarlet Raiders were able to secure the win.
Luke Hagen (1-1) earned the victory on the mound, pitching effectively in relief, while
Vince Taylor came in for the save to seal the win. Weinbel had a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI, including his game-changing home run.
Matthew Storch added a trio of RBI to the offensive effort.
The win pushed Rutgers-Newark in a strong position heading into the second game of the doubleheader.
Game 2: Rutgers-Newark 10, Stockton 9
In an action-packed finale, Rutgers-Newark baseball completed the doubleheader sweep of Stockton with a dramatic 10-9 victory in game two on Saturday. The win, which lifted the Scarlet Raiders to 10-11 overall, featured plenty of twists and turns, as both teams exchanged leads in a thrilling back-and-forth contest.
Stockton came out strong, plating four runs in the bottom of the second inning and adding another in the third to take a commanding 5-0 lead. However, Rutgers-Newark answered in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded, Matthew Toretto delivered a clutch three-run double, helping the Scarlet Raiders cut the deficit to just one run at 5-4.
Stockton regained some momentum in the bottom of the fifth with another run, pushing their lead to 6-4. But Rutgers-Newark's offense wasn't done. In the top of the sixth, the Scarlet Raiders erupted for four runs, taking an 8-6 lead. The rally was sparked by key hits up and down the lineup, with
Michael Weinbel and
Matthew Storch providing some of the big contributions.
The home team wasn't finished either, responding with a run in the bottom of the sixth and two more in the bottom of the seventh to reclaim a 9-8 lead, setting the stage for an intense finish.
In the top of the ninth, Rutgers-Newark mounted one last rally, scoring two runs to take a 10-9 lead. The Scarlet Raiders' offense, which racked up 14 hits, delivered when it mattered most to seal the victory and the sweep.
Luke Hagen (2-1) earned the win after pitching one inning in relief, while
Vince Taylor picked up his second save of the day, closing out the game with poise. Offensively, Weinbel had a strong performance, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored, while Storch went 3-for-5 with two RBI.
With the sweep, Rutgers-Newark now looks ahead with renewed momentum, ready to build on the exciting win as they continue their season.
