WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson baseball team (0-2) had a runner on second base with one out during the bottom of the ninth inning but could not come up with the tying hit, dropping a 2-1 decision to Drew (4-1) during the Pioneers' home opener Feb. 28.
The Rangers struck first, using a pair of singles and a passed ball to cross the plate once during the top of the fourth inning.
The Pioneers leveled the score during the home half of the same frame. Freshman first baseman Carson Weis sent a two-out single to right-center field and stole second before freshman shortstop Greg Cuevas drilled a line drive straight up the middle. Drew starting pitcher Pete Violante did well to get his glove up in time to defend himself, but the deflection kicked wide into foul territory on the third-base side and Weis was moving on contact, allowing him to score from second base.
Drew produced the go-ahead run with two outs during the top of the seventh when senior second baseman Isaiah Mateo singled through the right side and senior right fielder Ryan Sabbag hit a flat line drive to dead center for an RBI-triple.
WP sophomore pinch hitter DeAngelo Descorbeth drew a one-out walk and freshman third baseman Christopher Liriano singled down the left-field line in the bottom of the ninth, but a liner to center and a groundout ended the game.
Cuevas finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and Weis went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Pioneers.
Junior starter Chris Babb (0-1) went 6.2 innings, surrendering two runs (one earned) on four hits and three walks, striking out six. Senior Adam Miller had a walk and strikeout during 0.2 inning, and junior Doug Olcese retired both batters he faced. Senior Bryan Kopko tossed a perfect ninth inning.
Four different Rangers contributed hits. Reliever Joshua Williams picked up the win (1-0) with 2.2 shutout innings of work, scattering three hits and a walk while punching out three. Freshman Vinny Doren earned his first save with 2.1 innings of two-hit, scoreless relief.
William Paterson will host Baruch Thursday, March 1, at 3:30 p.m.
For all of the latest information on the Pioneers, visit http://www.wpupioneers.com and http://www.wpupioneers.com/socialmedia.