NEWARK, NJ — The Scarlet Raiders battled hard but came up short against the 12th-ranked Rowan University Profs, dropping a 10–6 decision in NJAC play. A strong offensive start from the nationally ranked Profs, paired with Rutgers-Newark's defensive struggles, proved too much to overcome despite a spirited late-game comeback effort.
Rowan wasted no time asserting control, putting up a five-run second inning that set the tone early. The offensive outburst was fueled by a bases-clearing double off the bat of Patrick Sedalis. The Profs added to their lead in the third with a sac fly by Jason Bogart, pushing the score to 6–0.
Rutgers-Newark starter
Matthew King (4–3) struggled to find rhythm, allowing six runs (five earned) over three innings while battling against a potent Rowan lineup. The Scarlet Raiders' bullpen held the Profs relatively in check through the middle innings, giving the offense a chance to claw back into the game.
That opportunity came in the bottom of the sixth, when
Eric Recchia came through with a clutch two-run double to the gap, trimming the deficit to 6–2. However, Rowan continued to apply pressure, tacking on two more runs in the eighth and two in the top of the ninth to extend their lead to 10–2.
The Scarlet Raiders showed grit in the final frame. Trailing by eight, they put together a four-run rally in the bottom of the ninth, fueled by a string of hits.
Gilroy Prial got it started with an RBI triple to score
Dario Morales. Prial then scored on an RBI from
Jon Rosado, and
Eric Recchia continued to pour it on, scoring two runners on a double to right field. Despite the surge, the hole was too deep to climb out of, and Rowan closed the game to secure the win.
Zach Coluccio (6–0) picked up the win for Rowan, delivering five scoreless innings and keeping Rutgers-Newark off balance early. The loss drops Rutgers-Newark to 15–20 overall and 7–8 in NJAC play, while Rowan improves to 26–8 and 11–4 in the conference. The Scarlet Raiders will look to bounce back as the conference tournament approaches, as they travel for a rematch with Rowan tomorrow.
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