NEWARK, N.J. – On a chilly evening at Weequahic Park, Rutgers-Newark used a big middle innings surge to pull away for a 9-3 victory over New Jersey City, earning its first conference win of the season in NJAC action on Thursday afternoon.
After trading early runs, the Scarlet Raiders broke things open in the sixth inning, plating four runs to take control of the game. In the inning, Trevor Wallace was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing home Joseph Bernardo to tie the game. Gilroy Prial followed with a walk to score RJ Kernan, giving Rutgers-Newark the lead for good. The Scarlet Raiders added two more runs in the frame to extend their advantage.
Rutgers-Newark added two more in the seventh and one in the eighth to create separation, while keeping NJCU off the board the rest of the way.
The Scarlet Raiders finished with 11 hits on the day, capitalizing on timely hitting and patience at the plate, drawing six walks.
Bernardo led the offense with three hits and crossed the plate twice, while Wallace added two hits and three RBI on the evening.
On the mound, Chase Ostrowski got the start, allowing six hits against 21 batters while striking out five over 5.2 innings. Luke Hagen provided strong relief, allowing just two hits and one run over four innings to secure the win.
Rutgers-Newark will head to NJCU on the second day of a home/away NJAC contest for a rematch with the Gothic Knights.
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