WAYNE, N.J. – William Paterson's (19-12, 5-10 NJAC) comeback bid fell short as the Pioneers dropped a 6-4 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) baseball decision to visiting Ramapo (22-11, 10-5 NJAC) April 23.
The Roadrunners seized the early advantage with three runs during the top of the first inning. A leadoff error and a sacrifice were followed by an RBI-single from junior second baseman Joe Venturino, who then stole second and advanced to third via an error on the play. Senior designated hitter Chris Werr doubled in the second run of the frame, and two walks loaded the bases for junior left fielder Rafael Dela Cruz, who lifted a sacrifice fly into left-center field.
The Pioneers got one run back during the home half of the same frame. Singles by graduate student first baseman AJ Flores (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) and junior left fielder Tyler Garguilo (Paramus, N.J./Paramus) led to a sac fly from sophomore center fielder Mike Abate (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills) and a 3-1 score.
Ramapo added three more in the top of the third. Three straight singled loaded the bases, and junior catcher Ryan Rinsky's base hit through the left side plated a run. Senior third baseman Brandon Berger's fielder's choice drove across another runner, and a wild pitch made it a 6-1 margin.
An Abate double, K.C. Abel (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley) single and Jimmy Kenny (Fairfield, N.J./West Essex Regional) groundout allowed WP to score once in the bottom of the fourth, and the Pioneers added one more in the fifth. Freshman left fielder Jordan Aughey (Wanaque, N.J./Lakeland Regional) hit a leadoff single to left and freshman second baseman Rob Eggert (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) followed with a base hit to center field. A wild pitch advanced the runners 90 feet, and Flores' groundout allowed Aughey to touch home.
William Paterson cut the margin to two at 6-4 with a single score during the bottom of the sixth inning. Abate doubled to left-center field to lead off, advanced to third via a wild pitch and trotted home when Abel drilled a two-bagger to center.
Abate finished 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, an RBI and two runs scored. Abel went 2-for-4 and added a double and an RBI.
Freshman Mario Danza (Monroe, N.J./Monroe Twp.) allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits over 2.1 innings, striking out one and walking two (3-2). Freshman Bryan Kopko (Colonia, N.J./Colonia) scattered four hits over 4.2 scoreless innings with a strikeout and a walk, and junior Mitch D'Amato (Edison, N.J./Edison) tossed the final 2.0 innings, giving up a pair of hits.
Werr led Ramapo with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate, posting two doubles, an RBI and a pair of runs scored. Senior Walker Larson (7-1) pitched the complete game, surrendering four runs and 11 hits while striking out three.
William Paterson will play at Ramapo Friday, April 24, at 3:30 p.m.
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