March 28, 2006 - Rutgers 5 Rider 3
March 28, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
College Baseball
Rutgers University 5, Rider University 3
PISCATAWAY—Despite out-hitting the Scarlet Knights, the Broncs lost at Rutgers Tuesday. “We played pretty good,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis. “We were competitive, we were in the game. It was just one of those days.”
In the seventh inning Rider junior Brad States (Paoli, PA/Conestoga) hit a two-run double, his second double of the game, to cut the lead to 5-3. States had just 17 at bats this season heading into the game. “Brad got an opportunity today and took advantage of it,’ said Davis. “His second double was a big hit for us.”
Rutgers (7-13) broke open a 3-1 game with two runs in the fourth inning on a pair of walks, a sacrifice bunt and a two-run single.
The Broncs (5-16) manufactured a run in the first inning when senior Tom Letizia (Fair Lawn, N.J./Fair Lawn) was hit by a pitch and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by freshman Maurice Williams (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional). Senior Bryan Wagner (Flemington, N.J./North Hunterdon) and junior Scott Knazek (Browns Mills, N.J./Pemberton) collected singles in the inning.
Rutgers answered right back in the bottom of the first inning with a two-run double following a walk and a Rider error to take a 2-1 lead, and scored on a sacrifice fly in the third inning to take a 3-1 lead.
Freshman shortstop Jamie Hayes (Sunrise, Fla./Piper) had two of Rider’s nine hits, and sophomore Jeff Reynolds (Denville/Parsippany Hills) doubled for the Broncs. “Hayes did a nice job at the plate, but struggled a bit at shortstop today (three errors),” Davis said. “He’s the shortstop of the future, and he usually makes the plays he didn’t make today.”
Rider junior Justin Roszkowski (Clark/Arthur L. Johnson) started and pitched seven innings, allowing four earned runs while striking out four and walking six. “Justin threw fine,” Davis said. “We gave Rutgers three of their runs. Walks got Justin in trouble today.”
Rider hosts Long Island University Wednesday. “We’re looking to go get ‘em tomorrow,” Davis said. “We’re going to be good, you can see it.”
-RU-
