NEWARK, N.J. – In a back-and-forth offensive battle, Rutgers-Newark used a late surge to pull away for a 22-17 victory over Muhlenberg College on Thursday afternoon.

Muhlenberg came out swinging early, plating seven runs across the first two innings to take an early advantage. Rutgers-Newark answered in the second inning, tying the game before taking its first lead on a sacrifice fly from Malik Little that scored Joseph Bernardo.

The Scarlet Raiders continued to build momentum in the third inning, highlighted by a home run from Michael Weinbel to extend the lead. Muhlenberg responded in the fourth inning to even the score once again, setting the tone for a wild stretch through the middle innings where the lead changed hands multiple times.

The Mules eventually regained control and entered the seventh inning holding a 17-14 lead. That would mark their final push, as Rutgers-Newark turned to Donvan Claiborne out of the bullpen in the seventh inning.

Claiborne delivered in a pivotal moment, tossing two shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two to halt Muhlenberg's offense. The Scarlet Raiders responded immediately, erupting for eight runs across the seventh and eighth innings to flip the game and pull away for good.

Justino Bonito closed the door in the ninth, striking out a pair to secure the win.

Offensively, Rutgers-Newark was powered by Gilroy Prial, Joseph Bernardo, and Malik Little, who each collected four hits. Bernardo also drove in a game-high five RBIs to lead the charge.

Rutgers-Newark will begin NJAC play this weekend as they travel to face The College of New Jersey for a doubleheader on Saturday.

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