Big Innings Lift Rutgers Newark

Rutgers Newark used multiple big innings in both games as they swept a doubleheader from Alfred State, 18-8 and 19-5, on Friday night at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, SC.

In the opener, Rutgers Newark used the big inning to take control of the game. They scored five in the 1st, six in the 2nd, and seven in the 5th. The Scarlet Raiders collected 12 hits and drew 12 walks.

Ryan Zucker was 3 for 5 with 3 RBI, Anthony Perconte was 2 for 2 with 4 RBI, and Josh Cote was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Mike Zibrin improved to 3-0 with five innings of work on the mound.

Cullen Franz (Cazenovia) led the Pioneers with a 2 for 4, 4 RBI effort. He connected on a three-run homer in the 3rd and a solo homer in the 6th. Franz now has five dingers on the season. Dan Woodward (Honeoye) was 2 for 3, Colin Johnson (Alfred Almond) was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI, Rafael Perozo (Bronx/St. Raymond) was 2 for 4, and Thomas Shofi (Carmel) drove in two runs. 

In the nightcap, Rutgers scored a single run in the 1st and then scored five in the 2nd to grab the early 6-0 lead. The Pioneers cut the lead in half in the 3rd when Austin Baker (Caniseto Greenwood) hit a bases loaded double that cleared the bases. The Scarlet Raiders added four more runs in the 4th inning and scored nine more in the 5th inning to regain momentum. In the 6th the Pioneers got back on the board when they scored on a throwing error and a RBI single by Benjamin Reid (Williamson).

Zucker was 5 for 5 with 4 RBI to pace the offensive attack. Connor Clark was 3 for 4 with 5 RBI and Perconte was 2 for 4 with 5 RBI.

Franz was the only Pioneer with multiple hits finishing 2 for 3. He finished the day 4 for 7.

The Pioneers and the Scarlet Raiders (8-3) continue their four-game series tomorrow with a 9 a.m. doubleheader.