WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson baseball team (1-4) had the winning run on base during the bottom of the ninth, but the Pioneers couldn't capitalize in a 3-2 loss to visiting Stevens (4-0) Feb. 28.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Stevens took a 1-0 advantage during the top of the second inning with a leadoff walk, single, hit by pitch and sacrifice fly.
- The Pioneers answered with two runs during their next at-bat. Sophomore left fielder Mike Novak reached on a leadoff error and senior right fielder Noah Cabassa was hit by a pitch before a wild pitch advanced each runner 90 feet. Senior center fielder Jake Lutz delivered a two-out single up the middle, handing WP a 2-1 edge.
- Two bases hits, a walk and a ground-rule double made it a 3-2 Ducks advantage in the third.
- Junior pinch hitter Christian Hay started the bottom of the ninth with a base on balls and was lifted for sophomore pinch runner Matthew DiGirolamo. After a strikeout and DiGirolamo stolen base, Lutz drew a one-out walk. A strikeout and groundout then ended WP's comeback hopes.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Lutz went 2-for-4 with a two RBI.
- Senior Darmany Rivas surrendered three runs, six hits and two walks, striking out three in 4.2 innings as the starter (0-1).
- Graduate student Dan Castaneda scattered a hit and a walk over 2.0 scoreless innings, posting one punchout.
- Freshman Robert Nathan twirled 1.1 shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out one batter.
- Junior Neel Telidevara retired all three batters he faced, one by strikeout.
UP NEXT:
- William Paterson will host RIT for a doubleheader Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m.
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