AUBURNDALE, FL – Right-hander Andrew DiPiazza took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and tied the school record with 15 strikeouts in the 25th-ranked Rowan University baseball team's 14-0 win over Ripon College at the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational.
DiPiazza (jr. Bayville, NJ/Central Reg.) improved to 2-0 on the year, twirling seven shutout frames and surrendering just two hits. He equaled the University mark of 15 punchouts held by Ryan Kulik (March 10, 2008) and Robert Pfeffer (April 20, 1977). DiPiazza walked the second batter in the first inning and proceeded to retire 17 consecutive Red Hawks. Second baseman Nick Taranto (jr. Ellsworth, WI/Ellsworth) broke up the no-hit bid with an infield single to lead off the seventh.
Shortstop Dillon Mendel (jr. Sparta, NJ/Sparta) led the Profs at the plate with three hits (five at bats), a double and two runs. Third baseman Justin Provost (fr. Hackettstown, NJ/Pope John XXIII) was two-for-four with a double, four RBIs and one run. Second baseman Alex Kokos (so. Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and left fielder Frank McHugh (jr. Kingwood, NJ/Delaware Valley Reg.) drove in two runs apiece. Catcher Jared Marks (fr. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) and McHugh each hit a double.
Rowan is 5-1 overall while Ripon has a 0-1 record. Third baseman Josh Oswald (sr. Elkhorn, WI/East Troy), right fielder Eric Hietpas (fr. Little Chute, WI/Little Chute) and Taranto each recorded a hit for the Red Hawks. Lefty Drew Slade (sr. Pardeeville, WI/Pardeeville) was tagged with the loss.
The Profs have a showdown with #1 UMass Boston on Sunday, March 11 at 5:15 p.m. in Auburndale, FL.