WAYNE, N.J. – A pair of first-inning unearned runs were the difference as the William Paterson baseball team (5-8) lost to visiting St. Joseph's-Long Island (5-10), 2-0, April 1.

An Anthony Bonilla leadoff single was followed by a sacrifice bunt, but the ball wasn't caught at first, putting two runners on base with zero outs. A groundout and walk loaded the bases before a strikeout for the second out of the inning, but sophomore catcher James Terry was then able to send a single into left field, plating two runs for the Golden Eagles.

The Pioneers' best chance came during the bottom of the ninth inning with runners on second and third and two outs, but a final strikeout ended the game.

Freshman center fielder Mike Abate (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills) paced WP at the plate with a 2-for-4 effort. Senior Jake Menzo (Ramsey, N.J./Ramsey) was the hard-luck loser (1-3), scattering four hits over 5.0 innings, striking out three and walking one. Junior Ryan Monaghan (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) struck out a pair and gave up two hits during 2.0 innings on the mound, and classmate Tom Gaccione (Little Falls, N.J./Passaic Valley Regional) allowed two hits and a walk while registering a pair of strikeouts during his 2.0 innings of work.

James went 3-for-4 with two RBI for SJ-LI. Starter Dan Diblasi improved to 2-2, throwing 8.2 scoreless innings while surrendering nine hits. Junior Steven Szobesky picked up his first save.

William Paterson will host Ramapo Thursday, April 3, at 3:30 p.m.

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