NEWARK, N.J. – Behind a strong start from senior
Ross Tine (Wethersfield, Conn.) and a clutch four-out save from freshman
Matthew Hayes (Bellows Falls, Vt.), Plymouth State University earned a split of a non-conference doubleheader with Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday at Weequahic Park. The Panthers dropped the opener, 6-1, before rebounding for a 4-2 victory in game two.
Rutgers struck first in the opener with a two-out hit in the bottom of the first, and Plymouth State struggled to generate offense throughout. The Scarlet Raiders added three runs in the fourth and tacked on single runs in the fifth and sixth to build a 6-0 advantage. PSU broke through in the eighth when freshman
Brayden Michaelson (Charlton, Mass.) tripled and scored, but that was as close as Plymouth State would get.
Tine set the tone in game two, allowing just a first-inning run over five solid innings. Plymouth State answered immediately, erupting for four runs in the second inning to seize control. The bullpen took it from there, limiting Rutgers to just two hits over the final four innings. The Scarlet Raiders attempted to mount a comeback in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs, but Hayes entered and allowed just one run to work out of the jam before closing the door in the ninth to secure his first career save.
Plymouth State improves to 1-6 on the season, while Rutgers-Newark falls to 6-10.
The Basics:
- Game 1: Plymouth State 1, Rutgers-Newark 6
- Game 2: Plymouth State 4, Rutgers-Newark 2
- Plymouth State (1-6)
- Rutgers-Newark (6-10)
How it Happened (Game One):
- Rutgers used a two-out base hit to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
- Plymouth State put runners on second and third with two outs in the second, but the Scarlet Raiders escaped the jam.
- The hosts extended the lead to 4-0 with three runs in the fourth, then added single runs in the fifth and sixth.
- Michaelson tripled and scored on a groundout in the eighth to make it 6-1, but the Panthers would get no closer.
By the Numbers (Game One):
- Michaelson finished 1-for-3 with a triple and run scored, and also reached base after being hit by a pitch.
- Senior Jack Gintof (Meredith, N.H.) and junior Boden Smith (Bedford, N.H.) combined to strike out four over the final 2.2 innings.
How it Happened (Game Two):
- Rutgers used a leadoff triple and sacrifice fly to grab a 1-0 lead in the first.
- Plymouth State responded with four runs in the second to take control. Michaelson doubled and scored to tie the game at 1-1. Senior Ray Campbell (Torrington, Conn.) doubled and back-to-back walks loaded the bases, and a groundout and error put PSU in front, 3-1. Senior Andrew Faherty (Phoenix, Ariz.) capped the rally with an RBI single to make it 4-1.
- Campbell doubled again in the sixth but was stranded at third.
- Rutgers scored once in the eighth and had the bases loaded before Hayes escaped the jam and finished the game in the ninth.
By the Numbers (Game Two):
- Campbell reached base three times with two doubles and a walk. He also scored a run.
- Graduate student Connor Dobson (South Portland, Maine) went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks.
- Sophomore Login Desrochers (Raymond, Maine) finished 1-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI.
- Tine struck out two and allowed just one run over five innings.
- Sophomore Dylan Bausemer (Whitman, Mass.) surrendered just one hit in two scoreless innings of relief.
- Hayes recorded the final four outs to earn his first career save.
- The games marked the first meeting between the two programs.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State visits Bard College on Wednesday (Mar. 25) for a 3:30 p.m. game with the Raptors.
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