MADISON, NJ – The Rutgers-Newark baseball team fell to FDU-Florham, 5-3, on Tuesday afternoon in a non-conference matchup at Naimoli Ballpark. Despite a strong effort at the plate, the Scarlet Raiders couldn't overcome a three-run sixth inning by the Devils, who secured the victory.
FDU-Florham struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Rutgers-Newark responded in the third inning with a run to even the score at 1-1. The Scarlet Raiders added another run in the top of the fourth to take a brief 2-1 advantage.
However, the Devils answered back in the fifth inning, tying the game at 2-2, and then pulled ahead in the sixth. Rutgers-Newark reclaimed the lead in the top of the sixth, but FDU-Florham had a decisive response. The Devils exploded for three runs in the bottom half of the inning, pushing the score to 5-3 and securing the win.
Freshman Tommy Ruth was a bright spot for Rutgers-Newark, finishing the game 2-for-3 with one run scored and one RBI. Three other players – Matthew Storch, Daniel Fedorco, and Gilroy Prial – each recorded one hit in the contest.
On the mound, Matthew L'Hommedieu (0-1) was charged with the loss after pitching 1.1 innings in relief, allowing four earned runs. The Scarlet Raiders were unable to mount a comeback against a solid pitching performance by FDU-Florham, who held on for the win.
The loss drops Rutgers-Newark to 2-4 on the season, while the Devils improve to 4-3. They will look to bounce back on Saturday, March 8 versus Middlebury College at home.
