Rutgers-Camden’s Ballay earns
fourth annual RVL scholarship

CAMDEN (Aug. 12, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden infielder Kyle Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran) was awarded the Rancocas Valley League’s fourth annual scholarship, an honor given since the 2004 season to help an RVL player further their college education.

Ballay, a member of the Delran franchise, was presented with a $500 check Sunday night at Southampton Memorial Field in Vincentown before the first game of the RVL championship series between his top-ranked team and No. 2 seed Mount Laurel.

A Biology major at Rutgers-Camden, Ballay played in 21 games, starting 19, during his freshman year at Rutgers-Camden in 2007. He saw action at second base and third base, hitting .228 with 11 runs scored and four RBIs.

Rutgers-Camden promotes Wink
to head baseball coaching position

CAMDEN (July 25, 2007) – John Wink spent the last nine years as the pitching coach for the Rutgers University-Camden baseball program, helping the Scarlet Raptors record some of the best seasons in program history.

Wink’s dedication and performance have been rewarded. The Delran resident has been named as the Scarlet Raptors’ new head baseball coach, replacing long-time friend and colleague Keith Williams. Williams, who had employed Wink as his pitching coach since coming to Rutgers-Camden in 1999, resigned earlier in the month to take the head coaching job at Division II St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

“We’re excited to have John in this new role,” said Rutgers-Camden Director of Athletics Jeff Dean. “He has a lot of support and confidence from the alumni and the staff. We think he’s going to do a terrific job.”

“Everything happens for a reason," Wink said. "I know I’m very excited about the opportunity to continue what Keith and I have been doing for the last nine years. I think we’re moving in the right direction with the program.”

Since rebuilding the program in their first two years at Rutgers-Camden, Williams and Wink have helped the Scarlet Raptors post a 155-114-1 mark during the last seven seasons. After posting a combined 7-49 mark in 1999 and 2000, the Raptors set a short-lived school record for victories in a 21-15 campaign during the 2001 season. That season started a seven-year stretch in which the Raptors produced the five highest victory totals in Rutgers-Camden baseball history, including a record 32-10 mark in 2002.

Rutgers-Camden fielded a young team in 2007, when it posted a 15-24 record for only its second losing mark in the last seven years.

“Last year I think we lost 8-10 games in the eighth or ninth inning,” Wink said. “That comes from inexperience. I expect them to learn and grow from that experience.

“I think the plusses (of being named coach) are that we keep the continuity of the program going. From the players’ point of view, there’s a comfort factor. We were very young last year. The young guys can grow from that experience and not think about a coaching change. They know how I operate and they know what’s expected of them.”

The Raptors’ recent success has been built around Wink’s pitching staff, which usually ranks among the best in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The 2005 team, which posted a 28-11 record for the second-most wins in program history, finished third in the NJAC in ERA (3.80) and fifth in opponent batting average (.275). Individually, Wink’s closer Matt Novella led the NJAC with a program-record nine saves (a figure which tied for third among all NCAA Division III pitchers).

The team finished fourth in the NJAC in ERA in both 2004 (4.00) and 2003 (4.19), while the 2002 staff led the conference and finished 13th nationally with a 3.37 ERA. That staff helped the Scarlet Raptors post a program-record 32-10 season.

The 2003 team saw closer Dan McKenna get selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 27th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He became the first Rutgers-Camden pitcher, and only the program’s second player overall, to be selected in the MLB draft.

Wink received recognition for his work during the fall of 2003 when he was honored as a recipient of the second annual AFLAC National Assistant Coach of the Year Award. Over 350,000 assistant coaches were nominated from around the country. Only 500 high school and college coaches, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, received the award.

Wink helped turn the program around in 2001 when his staff posted a 21-15 record and struck out 271 batters in 293-1/3 innings. It was the Raptors’ first winning season since 1988.

In his nine years with the program, Wink’s staff tossed three no-hitters, including one by Bob Diepold in 1999, a perfect game by Mike Murphy in 2001 and a no-hitter by Zack Pendleton in 2002.

A 1990 graduate of Holy Cross High School, Wink pitched for the Lancers under head coach Greg Luzinski, the former Philadelphia Phillies star. As a senior he went 8-1 for the Lancers’ 1988 South Jersey Parochial A championship team.

Wink continued his pitching career at Virginia Wesleyan College. A four-year varsity hurler for the Marlins, he graduated from Virginia Wesleyan in 1994 with a B.A. in Business Management.

Former Scarlet Raptor Mike Roth will serve as one of Wink’s assistants, returning to the Rutgers-Camden coaching staff for his fifth season. In addition to serving as the head coach, Wink will continue his role handling the Raptor pitchers.

“I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

2007 Rutgers-Camden Summer Baseball Camp (photo courtesy of Harold Winshel)

Rutgers-Camden’s Williams
accepts baseball job at St. Andrews

CAMDEN (July 2, 2007) – Keith Williams, who won more games than any baseball coach in the history of Rutgers University-Camden, has been named as the head baseball coach at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina.

“It’s a step up to Division II,” said Williams, who spent his last nine years at Division III Rutgers-Camden. “It’s a great school and has a great community feel. The school blows you away. They have a new athletic director and a new president.

“I loved coaching here at Rutgers-Camden. It’s a great school. It was a tough decision, but it’s too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

Williams, who served as the Assistant Director of Recreational Services at Rutgers-Camden in addition to his position as the baseball coach, will be able to concentrate solely on baseball duties with the Knights. St. Andrews, a member of the Conference Carolinas, posed a 14-34 mark in 2007 and a 20-30 record in 2006. Its last winning season was 2005, when it logged a 32-22 record.

During his nine seasons with the Scarlet Raptors, Williams compiled a 162-163-1 record, including a 155-114-1 mark during the last seven seasons after building the program during his first two years in 1999 and 2000. After posting a combined 7-49 mark in those two seasons, Williams turned the program around in 2001 with a 21-15 mark, which set a short-lived school record for victories and was a preview of things to come.

In the last seven seasons, Williams’ club has produced the five highest victory totals in Rutgers-Camden baseball history, including a record 32-10 mark in 2002.

“I feel good about where the program is,” Williams said. “We’re leaving the program in good shape.”

During Williams’ tenure the Scarlet Raptors advanced to the New Jersey Athletic Conference playoffs twice and earned back-to-back berths in the ECAC Metro tournament in 2002 and 2003. Rutgers-Camden won the 2003 ECAC Metro championship.

Rutgers-Camden finished the 2007 season with a 15-24 record, only its second losing mark in the last seven years. Early in the season, Williams became the first baseball coach at Rutgers-Camden to record his 150th victory when the Raptors rallied from a 7-2 deficit to defeat SUNY-Brockport, 10-8, in Camden March 4. Ten days later, during its spring trip to Arizona, Rutgers-Camden upset the nation’s second-ranked team with a 7-3 victory over Wheaton (Massachusetts) College.

Among the Raptors’ highlights in 2006 were victories over the teams ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the country. Rutgers-Camden also peaked at No. 26 nationally in the American Baseball Coaches Association/Collegiate Baseball Division III poll (March 27).

During the 2005 campaign, Williams produced one of the best seasons in the long history of Rutgers-Camden baseball. His team posted a 28-11 record (the second-highest victory total ever), reached the NJAC playoffs, reached No. 26 in the nation on March 29, and posted four wins over nationally-ranked clubs. The biggest win was a 5-2 victory over Rowan University April 8 when the Profs were 16-0 and ranked No. 1 nationally.

Williams’ second win of the 2004 season (6-4 at Albright College March 8) was his 83rd victory with the Scarlet Raptors, passing the program mark of 82 set by Frank Trotman from 1986-1992. His 12-7 win over Wisconsin-La Crosse (March 13, 2005) made him the first coach in program history to reach 100 wins.

Williams turned the baseball program around during his third year at Rutgers-Camden in 2001, setting a school mark for wins with a 21-15 record. That raised the standard set by Trotman’s 20-17 team in 1987, and set the stage for a remarkable 2002 campaign when the Raptors went 32-10, qualified for the NJAC playoffs for the second time in program history, earned their first post-season win (a 10-inning 9-8 triumph over William Paterson in the NJAC playoffs May 5) and played in their first ECAC Metro Tournament.

Williams’ 2002 team set nearly every school record while steamrolling its way to a 32-10 record, 11 more victories than the previous school mark set in 2001. Along the way, the Scarlet Raptors won their first 17 games -- easily setting a school record for consecutive victories -- and found themselves in previously-uncharted territory by reaching the ABCA/Collegiate Baseball Division III national poll. The Raptors made their debut in the poll at No. 23 on March 25, and peaked at No. 19 on April 8.

Those accomplishments helped Williams capture the 2002 NJAC Coach of the Year and Rutgers-Camden Coach of the Year awards. He also became one of five men honored as the New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association Div. II/III Coaches of the Year.

Following the 2003 season, Williams had his first player get selected in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft as senior closer Dan McKenna was taken in the 27th round by the Milwaukee Brewers (June 4).

Williams was a top-notch baseball player for years in South Jersey, where he played on the state champion Cherry Hill Babe Ruth team in 1985, and was a three-year American Legion starter for Medford Post 307 (1986-88). His 1988 Legion team finished third in the state.

A 1987 graduate of Bishop Eustace Prep School who was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in October, 2005, Williams played baseball, soccer and basketball for the Crusaders, earning All-Parochial honors in baseball. He led the 1986 Olympic Conference National Division champions in seven offensive categories. He helped the 1987 team capture the South Jersey Parochial B title, the Diamond Classic championship and the top ranking in South Jersey. Williams also earned All-Parochial, All-Conference and All-State soccer honors at Bishop Eustace.

Williams continued his education and baseball career at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was a four-year starter and a team captain in baseball, and graduated in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Following college, Williams spent two years in Australia, where he served as a player/coach. He built his Ryde-Eastwood Leagues team into a Pacific Coast power, winning two league championships.

Returning to the United States, Williams actively pursued a coaching career. He was an American Legion coach for Medford Post 307 in 1991, and served on the Haddon Heights Legion staff from 1995-2000. He also was an assistant coach at Camden Catholic High School from 1995-97. He helped the Irish compile a 43-21 record and win the 1996 South Jersey Parochial A title. He added his expertise to another South Jersey baseball power in 1998, serving as an assistant at Eastern High School.

Williams also has served as an assistant coach with the West Deptford Storm of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League, and as a player/coach for Mazzucco of the semi-pro Rancocas Valley League. Mazzucco won the South Jersey Semi-Pro Baseball Tournament in 1996.

Williams received his Master of Science in Administration, Sport and Recreation from West Chester University in August, 2003, and was hired in February, 2004, as Rutgers-Camden’s Assistant Director of Recreational Services. Prior to taking that job, the Haddon Township resident served as a high school teacher at Camden Catholic, Bishop Eustace and Eastern, and worked with the family business, Lumps Express, in Cinnaminson.

SJBCA honors Rutgers-Camden’s Buchter
as Division III Player of the Year

CAMDEN (June 7, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) was named the South Jersey Baseball Coaches Association’s Division III Player of the Year at the SJBCA’s annual banquet Thursday night at Masso’s Crystal Manor in Glassboro.

Buchter was named Rutgers-Camden’s baseball team MVP after a senior year in which he hit .315 with 10 doubles, three triples, 20 RBIs, team-leading totals of 18 stolen bases (in 19 attempts) and 39 runs, and a single-season program record of 30 walks. He had a .423 slugging percentage and a .434 on-base percentage.
Buchter finished 47th nationally this season among all NCAA Division III players, drawing 0.77 walks per game.

Over his four years at Rutgers-Camden, Buchter set the program career record for walks (83), while playing in 134 games (third all-time) and scoring 112 runs (tied for third). He collected 151 career hits (fourth) in 474 at bats (fourth) for a .319 career average, 205 total bases (sixth) and 38 doubles (second). He added 74 RBIs (eighth) and produced a career .432 slugging percentage and a .428 on-base percentage. Over his four years he also had more career walks than strikeouts, 83-79.

In addition to his offensive talents, Buchter was an outstanding defensive center fielder for the Scarlet Raptors, displaying great range, a strong arm and a fine glove. He collected 322 putouts, eight assists and four double plays while compiling a .971 career fielding percentage

Not only is Buchter one of the top players in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, he is one of the top student-athletes as well. Buchter, who will graduate from Rutgers-Camden next spring, owns a 3.31 GPA as a Biology major. He was named to the All-NJAC Academic First Team during the 2006-07 school year. He also was named to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Academic All-Area Baseball Team this past spring. The Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Teams, voted by members of Philly-SIDA (Sports Information Directors Association) are based on the Academic All-American program run by Co-SIDA, the national organization. Among the numerous qualifications for that honor, students must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing, be a starter or a significant reserve on their team and carry the minimum of a 3.2 GPA.

Buchter also earned NJAC Academic Honorable Mention during the 2005-06 scholastic year.

Buchter was an All-Conference and All-Group 3 baseball player at Highland Regional High School, where he also was a National Honor Society member. He is the son of Michael Buchter and Manon Yost of Clementon.

Rutgers-Camden’s Morris earns
All-Region Third Team honors

CAMDEN (May 23, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) has been named to the 2007 Mid-Atlantic All-Region NCAA Division III American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) All-Star Third Team.

It is the second post-season honor in a week for Morris, who last Friday earned a berth on the New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association (NJCBA) Division II/III Second Team.

Morris closed his senior season with a .327 batting average while starting all 39 of his games. He led the team with 51 hits, four triples and 35 RBIs, while tying for the club lead with 11 doubles. He also was second on the team with 34 runs, second with 12 stolen bases (in 12 attempts) and tied for second with two home runs. He had a .487 slugging percentage and a .412 on-base percentage. He led the team with 17 multi-hit games and 12 multiple RBI games during his senior season.

During his junior season in 2006, Morris hit .380 and finished fourth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference in slugging percentage (.636), aided by 13 doubles, four triples and four home runs. He scored 27 runs (fourth on the Scarlet Raptors) and collected a team-high 34 RBIs. That year he captured All-NJAC First Team honors and also was named to the NJCBA Division II/III Second Team. He capped his season with a spot on the 2006 Mid-Atlantic All-Region NCAA Division III ABCA All-Star Third Team.

Morris finished his four-year career with a .328 batting average, a .505 slugging percentage and a .422 on-base percentage. He ranked third on the all-time list with 19 HBP, fifth in RBIs (86), tied for fifth in triples (9), sixth in doubles (31), seventh in total bases (200), tied for seventh in both hits (130) and home runs (7), tied for eighth in stolen bases (23, out of 25 attempts), 10th in both games (120) and at bats (396) and 11th in runs (80).

NJCBA honors Rutgers-Camden’s
Morris, Terrill, Ronca, Giunta

CAMDEN (May 18, 2007) – The New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association has named four Rutgers University-Camden players to its 2007 Division II/III All-State Teams.

Senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) earned NJCBA Div. II/III Second Team honors for the second consecutive year, while senior pitcher Jason Ronca (Easthampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) and senior catcher Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) each earned Third Team recognition. Earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team was freshman designated hitter/catcher Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional).

Morris closed his senior season with a .327 batting average while starting all 39 of his games. He led the team with 51 hits, four triples and 35 RBIs, while tying for the club lead with 11 doubles. He also was second on the team with 34 runs, second with 12 stolen bases (in 12 attempts) and tied for second with two home runs. He had a .487 slugging percentage and a .412 on-base percentage. He led the team with 17 multi-hit games and 12 multiple RBI games during his senior season.

Morris finished his four-year career with a .328 batting average, a .505 slugging percentage and a .422 on-base percentage. He ranked third on the all-time list with 19 HBP, fifth in RBIs (86), tied for fifth in triples (9), sixth in doubles (31), seventh in total bases (200), tied for seventh in both hits (130) and home runs (7), tied for eighth in stolen bases (23, out of 25 attempts), 10th in both games (120) and at bats (396) and 11th in runs (80).

Terrill, who along with Giunta was named All-New Jersey Athletic Conference Honorable Mention, had an outstanding senior season for the Raptors, leading the team with a .341 batting average, three home runs and a .492 slugging percentage, while tying for the club lead with 11 doubles. In 35 games (34 starts), Terrill had 20 runs, 45 hits, 26 RBIs and a .388 on-base percentage. He also had three sacrifice flies, second on the team, and collected a team-leading 182 putouts. He finished third on the team this spring with 13 multiple-hit games, and tied for second on the Raptors with five multiple-RBI games.

In 90 career games, Terrill compiled a .336 career batting average (88-for-262) with 17 doubles, one triple and three home runs. He had a .443 slugging percentage, a .394 on-base percentage, 40 runs and 44 RBIs. He also had an amazing knack as a pinch-hitter, compiling a .524 batting average (11-for-21) in that role over the years, with six RBIs, three doubles, one run and one walk.

Ronca compiled a 3-4 record in 11 appearances and 10 starts, despite a fine 3.44 ERA. He led the team in innings (70.2) and strikeouts (63).
Ronca ended his career with 196 innings, fourth on the program’s list, and 170 strikeouts, tying Ray Simons (1970-72) for third place. He also was fourth in at bats (737), one shy of Tom Ford (2003-06) in third place, and was fifth in pitching appearances (37). His 3.58 career ERA is eighth on the all-time program list for any pitcher with over 75 innings. It is third among hurlers in the aluminum bat era.

Giunta had a fine freshman year for the Raptors, hitting .310 (22-for-71) with two doubles, one triple, one home run, six runs and 13 RBIs in 21 games (18 starts). He had a .408 slugging percentage and a .355 on-base percentage.

Giunta also hit safely in his last nine games of the season, giving him the longest hitting streak on the Scarlet Raptors in 2007.

Rutgers-Camden’s Painter earns
second NJAC Rookie of Week honor

CAMDEN (May 8, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden freshman Paul Painter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) captured his second honor of the season as the New Jersey Athletic Conference Baseball Rookie of the Week when the NJAC announced its weekly awards today. The awards cover the week of NJAC games through Monday’s conference championship game.

Painter played in only one game last week as the Scarlet Raptors wrapped up their season, but he had quite a performance while serving as the right fielder in a May 1 game against William Paterson University. Painter went 3-for-5 with a single, a double and a two-run third-inning home run. On the day he scored one run, collected three RBIs and notched three putouts.

Earlier this season Painter was the NJAC Rookie of the Week on March 26 after going 2-for-3 with a two-run double, a sacrifice fly, a run scored and three RBIs during a 10-4 victory over DeSales University March 24. He also had a walk in that game, which was the Raptors’ lone game of the week.

Painter is one of several young Scarlet Raptors to earn Rookie of the Week honors this season. Outfielder Steve Myers (Millville, NJ/Millville) earned NJAC Rookie of the Week honors on Feb. 26, while Perry Tate (Cherry Hill, NJ/Haddonfield Memorial) was named the NJAC Rookie Pitcher of the Week April 16 and added honors as the New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association (Div. II/III) Rookie Pitcher of the Week April 17. Shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) was the NJCBA Div. II/III Rookie of the Week April 10.

Painter, a versatile player who saw action in the infield, outfield, at catcher and designated hitter, hit .304 (17-for-56) in 21 games during his freshman season. He had five runs, four doubles, two home runs and 11 RBIs. He also was successful on both of his stolen base attempts.

Painter earned five varsity letters at Highland Regional High School, including four in baseball for Coach D.J. Gore. He also was a cross country letterman for the Tartans. He was a two-time All-Tri-County Conference Royal Division ballplayer at Highland, earning Second Team honors as a senior in 2005 after capturing First Team honors in 2004. He also participated in the Carpenter Cup.

During his last two seasons, Painter was named to the Courier-Post newspaper’s All-Group 3 First Team each year.

A Nursing major at Rutgers-Camden, Paul is the son of Janel Painter of Blackwood.

Rutgers-Camden’s Terrill, Giunta
earn All-NJAC Honorable Mention

CAMDEN (May 7, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden senior Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) and freshman Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional) were both selected to the New Jersey Athletic Conference Baseball Team today as the Scarlet Raptors’ two catcher/designated hitters each earned All-NJAC Honorable Mention.

Terrill had an outstanding senior season for the Raptors, leading the team with a .341 batting average, three home runs and a .492 slugging percentage, while tying for the club lead with 11 doubles. In 35 games (34 starts), Terrill had 20 runs, 45 hits, 26 RBIs and a .388 on-base percentage. He also had three sacrifice flies, second on the team, and collected a team-leading 182 putouts.

Terrill finished third on the team this spring with 13 multiple-hit games, and tied for second on the Raptors with five multiple-RBI games.

In 90 career games, Terrill compiled a .336 career batting average (88-for-262) with 17 doubles, one triple and three home runs. He had a .443 slugging percentage, a .394 on-base percentage, 40 runs and 44 RBIs.

Terrill also had an amazing knack as a pinch-hitter, compiling a .524 batting average (11-for-21) in that role over the years, with six RBIs, three doubles, one run and one walk.

Terrill is a former Washington Township High School standout, where he also was an Honor Roll student, a member of the National Honor Society and the Renaissance Club.

An Economics major at Rutgers-Camden who will graduate this month, Tom is the son of Judy Terrill of Sewell.

Giunta had a fine freshman year for the Raptors, hitting .310 (22-for-71) with two doubles, one triple, one home run, six runs and 13 RBIs in 21 games (18 starts). He had a .408 slugging percentage and a .355 on-base percentage.

Giunta also hit safely in his last nine games of the season, giving him the longest hitting streak on the Scarlet Raptors in 2007.

Giunta was a scholastic star at Clearview Regional High School, where he was named to the Gloucester County Times’ All-Area Second Team and the Courier-Post’s All-Group 3 Second Team during both his junior and senior seasons.

A Business Management major at Rutgers-Camden, Vince is the son of Vincent and Barbara Giunta of Sewell.

Rutgers-Camden’s Galbraith
ends career with five-hit shutout

CAMDEN (May 1, 2007) – Moments after being one of the Rutgers University-Camden players honored on Senior Night, right-hander Greg Galbraith (Westville, NJ/Gateway Regional) went out and pitched one of the top games of his career.

Galbraith hurled a five-hit shutout over six innings as the Scarlet Raptors defeated Delaware Valley College, 6-0, in a game called in the bottom of the sixth inning due to lightning strikes.

Rutgers-Camden ends its season at 15-24. Delaware Valley College, which falls to 11-21, closes its season Wednesday with a 4 p.m. non-conference game at Gwynedd-Mercy College.

In hurling the second shutout of his career, Galbraith walked two and struck out two, while posting his lone decision of the season. He ended his senior year 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA in 27.1 innings. For the second straight year, he hurled the lone solo shutout on the Raptors’ staff. His first career shutout came in a 17-0 win at Occidental College March 12, 2006.

In addition to Galbraith, the Scarlet Raptors also honors seniors Butch Amato (Haddon Heights, NJ/Paul VI), Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional), Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township), Jason Ronca (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley Regional), Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township), and Mark Wickersham (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson).

Three of those seniors contributed to the Raptors’ three-run third inning, which started with a one-out double by sophomore second baseman Dean Straga (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional). One out later, Buchter walked and stole second. The walk was his 30th of the season, setting a new program record and helping him complete his four years at Rutgers-Camden with a career-record 83 walks. The old single-season record of 29 walks was shared by Ricky Flores (2003), Chris Godish (2002) and Chris McGovern (1987).

Both runners scored on a single by Amato, who was plated by a Morris double. The double allowed Morris to complete his career with exactly 200 total bases, making him the seventh player in program history to reach that mark. Buchter’s run was the 112th of his career, allowing him to tie Matt Calloway (2003-06) for third on the Rutgers-Camden program list. He also finished his career playing in 134 games, the third-highest total in program history.

Rutgers-Camden added an unearned run in the fourth inning when sophomore designated hitter Matt Gabrielski (Atco, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) doubled and scored on an error.

The Raptors tacked on their final two runs in the fifth when Amato singled and Morris was hit by a pitch with one out. Terrill followed with a fly ball to right field that ended up scoring Amato all the way from second base for a sacrifice fly. Gabrielski singled home Morris for the final run.

For the game, Amato went 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs in his 95th, and final, career game. Gabrielski went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.

Freshman left fielder Brent Terlecky (Lansdale, PA/North Penn) went 2-for-2 for the Aggies.

Delaware Valley College senior Chris White (Clarksville, DE/Indian River) took the loss, scattering eight hits and two walks in five-plus innings. White, 2-4, allowed six runs, five earned, and struck out one.

William Paterson nine ends season
with 12-6 win at Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN (May 1, 2007) – Senior designated hitter Ted King (West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor South), junior shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) and freshman left fielder Mike Guadango (Upper Saddle River, NJ/Northern Highlands) each went 3-for-5 to lead a 16-hit attack as the William Paterson University baseball team defeated Rutgers University-Camden, 12-6, Tuesday afternoon in the final New Jersey Athletic Conference game of the season for both teams.

Paterson, which has won three straight games and four of its last five, ends its season at 19-15-2 overall and 6-11-1 in the NJAC.

Rutgers-Camden, which played its final game of the season on Tuesday night after the Paterson game, fell to 14-24 overall and 2-16 in the NJAC.

Rutgers-Camden jumped on the board early with a three-run first-inning home run by senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township).

Paterson exploded for six unearned runs in the third inning, following a one-out error. The Pioneers sent 10 men to the plate and collected five hits, including an RBI triple by Guadango, RBI singles by King and Limone and a two-run single by senior third baseman Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic).

 The Raptors cut the gap to 6-5 in the bottom of the third inning when freshman right fielder Paul Painter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) ripped a two-run homer, but Paterson broke the game open in the late innings. The Pioneers plated an unearned run in the eighth and scored five times off six hits in the ninth. The big hit in the inning was a two-run double by King.

King finished the day 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBIs, while Guadango was 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs. Limone was 3-for-5 with one RBI.

Leadoff man Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills), the Pioneers’ senior center fielder, had one stolen base on the day to finish his career with 88, one shy of the program’s career record set by Bruce Dostal (1984-87).

Junior Steve VandeVrede (Lincoln Park, NJ/Pequannock), the second of three Pioneer pitchers, picked up the win with three innings of two-hit shutout ball. He walked two and struck out one to finish his season at 2-3.

Rutgers-Camden senior Jason Ronca (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) worked eight innings, allowing 10 hits, four walks and eight runs, only one of them earned. He struck out four.

Ronca ended his career with 196 innings, fourth on the program’s list, and 170 strikeouts, tying Ray Simons (1970-72) for third place. He also was fourth in at bats (737), one shy of Tom Ford (2003-06) in third place. Ronca finished his season at 3-4 despite a 3.44 ERA.

Painter went 3-for-5 with one run and three RBIs for the Raptors, while Morris was 1-for-5 with one run and three RBIs.

Rutgers-Camden freshman catcher Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional) collected a fifth-inning single to extend his hitting streak to nine games, the longest on the Raptors this season.

Rutgers-Camden ended its season with the second half of a day-night split doubleheader Tuesday, playing a non-conference game against Delaware Valley College, beginning at 7 p.m. The Scarlet Raptors honored seven seniors on Senior Night: Butch Amato (Haddon Heights, NJ/Paul VI), Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional), Greg Galbraith (Westville, NJ/Gateway Regional), Morris, Ronca, Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township), and Mark Wickersham (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson).

Kean wins regular-season NJAC title
with 5-4, 8-7 sweep of Rutgers-Camden

UNION (April 29, 2007) – Junior catcher/right fielder Derek Gianakas collected three RBIs in each game and senior Dan Zeffiro hurled a complete game in the opener as the Kean University baseball team swept Rutgers University-Camden, 5-4 and 8-7, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader here Sunday afternoon.

With the sweep, Kean clinched the regular-season NJAC crown for the second time in its history and raised its record to 29-6 overall and 14-3 in the NJAC with one conference game remaining. The Cougars also won the 2005 regular-season title.

Rutgers-Camden fell to 14-23 overall and 2-15 in the NJAC with one conference game remaining.

Game One

In the opening game, the Scarlet Raptors scored a pair of runs in the second as senior catcher Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) doubled home one run and scored on a single by freshman designated hitter Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional). Giunta, who had two hits in the opener, also added one in the nightcap to stretch his hitting streak to eight games.

The Raptors added another run in the third, taking a 3-1 lead on a sacrifice fly by senior third baseman Mark Wickersham (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson).

Kean bounced back with a four-run fifth inning on three walks, two hit batsmen, a throwing error and the lone hit of the inning, a two-run single by Gianakas.

Zeffiro scattered 10 hits and two walks to allow four earned runs. He struck out six in raising his record to 7-1.

Raptor senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) went 3-for-5 in the game, including a double in the eighth inning, to become only the sixth player in program history to reach 200 total bases for his career. With two hits, including a triple, in the nightcap, he raised his career total to 204 total bases. His five hits on the day also gave him 150 for his career, moving into fifth place on the all-time list past Tom Cusano (1991-94), who had 147.

Sophomore second baseman Dean Straga (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional) went 2-for-3 for the Raptors.

Game Two

The teams changed leads three times in the nightcap, with Kean’s three-run fourth inning finally putting the Cougars ahead to stay, 7-6.

After Rutgers-Camden scored a first-inning run, Kean countered with three in the bottom of the frame on a three-run home run by senior first baseman Aaron Richard. The Raptors bounced back with a four-run second, sparked by Buchter’s three-run triple.

Gianakas hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning for the deciding blast of the day. Gianakas finished the game 3-for-4 with three runs and three RBIs.

Buchter, Terrill and freshman right fielder Scott Fruits (Turnersville, NJ/Paul VI) each had two hits for the Raptors.

The Scarlet Raptors return to action Tuesday with a split doubleheader. They close their NJAC season hosting William Paterson University at 3 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. Senior Night game against non-conference foe Delaware Valley College.

Rutgers-Camden baseball
postponed by rain

CAMDEN (April 27, 2007) – The New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball game between Rutgers University-Camden and William Paterson University, scheduled for today at Campbell’s Field, has been rained out. The makeup date will be Sunday, April 29, at 12 p.m. at Campbell’s Field.

Paterson, 16-15-2 overall and 3-11-1 in the NJAC, will host Ramapo College at noon Saturday in a conference doubleheader.

Rutgers-Camden, 14-21 and 2-13, travels to Kean University Saturday for a noon NJAC doubleheader.

In other makeup news, Rutgers-Camden has added a game to its schedule. The Scarlet Raptors will play at Arcadia University in a 4 p.m. non-conference game on Wednesday, May 2. That game had been originally scheduled for April 15, but was rained out.

Ritterson’s ninth-inning double
rallies Rowan past Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN (April 26, 2007) – Junior first baseman Rob Ritterson (Sewell, NJ/George Washington, PA) ripped a two-out, two-strike, two-run double into the left field corner in the top of the ninth inning, lifting the Rowan University baseball team to a 4-3 victory over Rutgers University-Camden in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game Thursday at Campbell’s Field.

The Profs’ comeback made a winner out of junior southpaw Joe Cichy (Vineland, NJ/St. Augustine Prep), who hurled a three-hitter, allowing only one earned run and two walks. He struck out nine to raise his record to 6-3.

The win was the seventh straight for Rowan, giving the Profs a 19-14 record overall and an 8-7 mark in the NJAC.

Rutgers-Camden falls to 14-21 overall and 2-13 in the NJAC.

With the Scarlet Raptors leading, 3-2, the Profs opened the ninth with a bloop single to center by junior left fielder Frank Hasenauer (Iselin, NJ/John F. Kennedy). Following a foul out on an attempted sacrifice bunt, Rowan put the go-ahead run on base when sophomore third baseman Tom Ready (Blenheim, NJ/Triton Regional) was hit by a pitch from Raptor freshman reliever Michael Kondrath (Medford Lakes, NJ/Holy Cross). Kondrath ran the count to 3-1 on dangerous cleanup hitter Tim Edmeads (Newfield, NJ/Buena Regional) before getting a pop out, then got two quick strikes on Ritterson. On the third pitch to Ritterson, the Profs executed a double steal. After the count evened at 2-2, Ritterson pulled a shot into the left field corner that just eluded the dive of Raptor senior outfielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township), plating the deciding runs.

The Profs prevented the Raptors from putting their leadoff runner aboard in the bottom of the ninth when a hard shot up the middle by senior first baseman Butch Amato (Haddon Heights, NJ/Paul VI) was flagged down with a great diving play by Rowan sophomore shortstop Tim Barnshaw (Dayton, NJ/South Brunswick). Barnshaw recovered to get Amato at first, and Cichy finished off the 1-2-3 inning to raise his record to 6-3.

In a tight pitchers’ duel between Cichy and Raptor sophomore lefty Damien Wright (Millville, NJ/Millville), the Profs scored a first-inning run on an RBI single by Ritterson. Rutgers-Camden tied the game on a leadoff home run in the third inning by freshman designated hitter Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional), a long shot to left field for his first collegiate homer.

After Rowan regained the lead in the fifth on an RBI single from junior center fielder Roger Turley (Succasunna, NJ/Roxbury), the Scarlet Raptors struck for a pair of unearned runs in the sixth inning. With two outs and two runners aboard, an infield throwing error plated both runs.

Kondrath, who had worked 1.1 perfect innings entering the ninth, took the loss for his first collegiate decision. He finished with 2.1 innings, two hits, two earned runs and one strikeout. Wright hurled 6.2 innings of six-hit ball in his start, allowing two earned runs and seven walks, while striking out seven.

Hasenauer, Turley and Ritterson each had two hits for the Profs.

Both teams return to action Friday, April 27, with 3:30 p.m. NJAC home games. Rowan faces Richard Stockton College, while Rutgers-Camden plays William Paterson University.

Seven-run fifth inning sparks
Rutgers-Camden past John Jay

CAMDEN (April 24, 2007) – The Rutgers University-Camden baseball team rallied from an 8-4 deficit, aided by a seven-run fifth inning, as it outlasted John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 17-8, in a non-conference game here Tuesday.

The Scarlet Raptors improve to 14-20, while the Bloodhounds fall to 13-12.

Trailing, 4-1, John Jay took a 7-4 lead with a six-run third inning, aided by six hits, including a two-run single from junior center fielder Kenneth Sepulveda (Valley Stream, NY/Valley Stream Central). The Bloodhounds tacked on another run in the fourth to lead, 8-4, before Rutgers-Camden mounted its comeback.

The Raptors scored three times in the bottom of the fourth, aided by an RBI triple from freshman second baseman Kyle Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran).

Rutgers-Camden took the lead for good in a wild seven-run fifth inning, sending 11 batters to the plate and collecting eight hits, including a two-run single from senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional).

The big outburst made a winner out of freshman reliever Jordan Cohen (Rockledge, PA/Abington), who picked up his first collegiate win to even his record at 1-1. Cohen worked 4.1 innings of two-hit, shutout relief. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out two.

The Scarlet Raptors collected 17 hits in the game, including three apiece by senior catcher Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) and freshman designated hitter Paul Painter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional).

Senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) and Buchter each had two hits, two runs and three RBIs. Buchter also walked twice to raise his career total to 78, breaking the program record of 77 walks set by Brian Murphy (2001-4).

Freshman shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside), Ballay and sophomore first baseman Matt Gabrielski (Atco, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) also added two hits apiece for the Scarlet Raptors.

John Jay drilled 12 hits of its own, including two apiece by senior pitcher/DH Joseph Ayala (Bronx, NY/St. Raymond’s), senior second baseman James DeCesare (Staten Island, NY/Moore Catholic), sophomore right fielder John Massoni (Staten Island, NY/St. Peter’s Boys), senior left fielder Richard Santana (New York, NY/A. Phillip Randolph) and senior catcher Gonzalo Gonzalez (Brooklyn, NY/FDR). Gonzalez added three RBIs for the Bloodhounds.

The Scarlet Raptors play a pair of 3:30 p.m. home games Thursday and Friday against New Jersey Athletic Conference opponents. They host Rowan University Thursday and William Paterson University Friday.

The Bloodhounds play a 3:30 p.m. non-conference game Thursday at Mt. St. Vincent College.

TCNJ rallies past Rutgers-Camden
in 12-inning NJAC baseball marathon

EWING (April 22, 2007) – The College of New Jersey tied the game in the bottom of the ninth inning and pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 12th on an infield single by senior right fielder Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) as the 11th-ranked Lions stunned Rutgers-Camden, 6-5, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball makeup game here Sunday afternoon.

The game, which tied the record for the longest contest in Rutgers-Camden history, was the eighth 12-inning contest at Rutgers-Camden. The last one came April 9 in an 8-7 victory over Catholic University of America in the opening game of a doubleheader at Campbell’s Field.

Rutgers-Camden and TCNJ also had a 12-inning game last year in Camden, when the Scarlet Raptors outlasted the Lions, 3-2, on April 13. In that game, John Gladden (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Township) picked up the win in relief. Ironically, Gladden was the losing pitcher here Sunday despite a strong three-inning relief stint, allowing only the run in the 12th inning to fall to 2-5.

TCNJ senior Dave Waseleski (Lawrenceville, NJ/Lawrence), 5-0, earned the win with 4.2 innings in relief.

With their sixth straight victory, the Lions improve to 23-8 overall and 11-4 in the NJAC. Rutgers-Camden falls to 13-20 and 2-12 with its seventh loss in eight games.

The Lions’ winning rally started with a leadoff walk to senior catcher Gerard Haran (Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge). Haran was lifted for pinch-runner Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley). Following a sacrifice, senior second baseman Andrew Cosgrove (Lebanon, NJ/North Hunterdon) was walked intentionally and pinch-hitter Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) singled to right-center, loading the bases. Hall plated the winning run with an infield single to shortstop, scoring Barrett.

After being no-hit for the first four innings by TCNJ senior southpaw Brian Kraus (Feasterville, PA/Neshaminy), the Raptors bounced back to take the lead. Senior catcher Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township), whose infield single leading off the fifth inning was the Raptors’ first hit, clubbed a solo home run in the eighth to give Rutgers-Camden a 5-3 lead. The Lions scored one in the bottom of the frame on Cosgrove’s sacrifice fly, and tied the game with an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Following a leadoff error and a sacrifice, sophomore shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) tied the game with a double.

The only runner off of Kraus in the first three innings was Raptor senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional), who drew his team-leading 23rd walk with one out in the first inning. It was the 76th walk of Buchter’s career, one shy of the program record set by Brian Murphy (2001-04).

By the time Buchter came to the plate again, the Lions had already plated a pair of unearned runs off Raptor senior starter Tim Whitman (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East). They scored single runs in the first and second innings, aided each frame by an infield error.

Following Terrill’s fifth-inning single, freshman right fielder Steve Myers (Millville, NJ/Millville) drew a walk. After Myers was erased on a fielder’s choice, freshman left fielder Scott Fruits (Turnersville, NJ/Paul VI) singled to left, driving home Terrill.

The Lions countered with a run in their half of the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Haran, but Rutgers-Camden plated three runs in the seventh, knocking out Kraus along the way. Myers reached on a one-out error and advanced to third on a single by freshman designated hitter Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional). Fruits walked, chasing Kraus, and junior second baseman Shawn Park (West Berlin, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) walked to force home the tying run. With two outs, Buchter reached on an error at first base, plating two runs.
Toth and Hall had two hits apiece for TCNJ. Terrill went 3-for-6 with two runs and one RBI for the Raptors.

Rutgers-Camden returns to action Tuesday with a 4 p.m. non-conference home game against John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Rutgers-Camden, NJCU nine
split NJAC baseball twinbill

CAMDEN (April 21, 2007) – New Jersey City University junior Ramadan Mehmedi (Sparta, NJ/Sparta) worked four strong relief innings to win the opener and Rutgers University-Camden sophomore starter Pat Faulls (Laurel Springs, NJ/Highland Regional) worked seven innings of seven-hit ball to win the nightcap as the two teams split a New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball doubleheader Saturday at Campbell’s Field.

The split leaves NJCU at 14-18 overall and 3-11 in the NJAC, snapping the Gothic Knights’ four-game losing streak with the opening-game win. Rutgers-Camden, which snapped a six-game slide in the nightcap, is 13-19 overall and 2-11 in the conference.

NJCU junior shortstop Jose Fulgencio (Bronx, NY/San Rafael, Dominican Republic) collected two hits in each game to stretch his hitting streak to 22 games, one shy of the program record set by Don Nelson in 2001.

Game One

In the opener, the Gothic Knights raced to a 5-0 lead after 2-1/2 innings and held on for a 7-5 victory when junior righty Baldwin Vargas (New York, NY/Alfred Smith) entered the game with the tying runs in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth inning and recorded a game-ending strikeout.

NJCU collected 10 hits off three Scarlet Raptor pitchers, including a 3-for-5 performance by junior second baseman Andrew Decibus (Carteret, NJ/Carteret). Fulgencio, junior right fielder Anthony Cacchiola (Union, NJ/Union) and junior left fielder Michael McCormick (North Brunswick, NJ/North Brunswick) each added two hits for the Gothic Knights.

NJCU took the lead for good in the first inning on a leadoff walk to junior center fielder Rob Sumner (Union, NJ/Union), a single by Decibus and a double steal, with Sumner scoring. The Gothic Knights padded their lead with three runs on three hits, a walk, a squeeze bunt and a sacrifice fly in the second inning, then plated another run in the third on a bases-loaded walk to sophomore catcher Fernando Espinosa, Jr. (Newark, NJ/St. Benedict’s Prep).

Rutgers-Camden chipped away with single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings, finally chasing NJCU starter Ahson Shahid (Harrison, NJ/Harrison) in the fifth, one out shy of qualifying for the win. Shahid allowed seven hits, two walks and three earned runs in 4.2 innings, while striking out one. Junior Ramadan Mehmedi (Sparta, NJ/Sparta) earned the win in relief with four innings of one-hit ball, walking two and striking out three. Mehmedi (1-0) was charged with a pair of runs in the ninth inning on a two-run double by Raptor senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) before Vargas nailed down the win.

Morris went 3-for-4 with a run and two RBIs for the Raptors. Freshman designated hitter Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Rutgers-Camden freshman starter Perry Tate (Cherry Hill, NJ/Haddonfield Memorial) took the loss. Tate (1-1) worked 2.1 innings, allowing five hits, four walks and five runs, four earned. He didn’t strike out a batter.

Senior Greg Galbraith (Westville, NJ/Gateway Regional) turned in a strong relief effort for Rutgers-Camden, working six innings of five-hit ball. He allowed two runs (one earned) and struck out four.

Game Two

The Gothic Knights scored a first-inning run in the nightcap, on a single by Sumner and first of two triples by Fulgencio, but the Scarlet Raptors bounced back with two in the first on three hits, then put the game away with a five-run second inning.

In the first, freshman shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) had a leadoff single and scored on a triple by senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional). Morris plated Buchter with a sacrifice fly.

The Raptors sent 10 batters to the plate in the second, which started with a triple by freshman first baseman Dan Stuhlemmer (Collingswood, NJ/Camden Catholic). The frame featured three hits, two walks, an error and a hit batsman, which produced five runs, three of them unearned. Freshman designated hitter Zach Colgate (Haddon Heights, NJ/Haddon Heights) capped the frame with an RBI double to give him a 3-for-3 start to his collegiate career before finally grounding out in the sixth inning.

NJCU cut the gap to 7-4 with a run in the third and a pair of runs in the fourth, aided by a Fulgencio triple and two errors. Rutgers-Camden, however, bounced back with a four-run fourth to put the game away. The Raptors took advantage of two walks and two hits, including an RBI single by Morris and a two-run double by Giunta.

Faulls (2-2) picked up the win, allowing seven hits and five runs (three earned) in seven innings. He walked two and struck out six. Junior John Gladden (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Township) closed out the game with two shutout innings, allowing one hit, while striking out one.

Morris, Colgate and Stuhlemmer each had two hits for the Raptors. Morris added three RBIs, while Giunta had two. Buchter, who had a triple and three walks, scored three times. He now has 75 career walks, two behind the program record set by Brian Murphy (2001-04).

Sumner and Fulgencio each had two hits for the Gothic Knights.

Rutgers-Camden returns to NJAC action Sunday, April 22, with a 1 p.m. makeup game at The College of New Jersey. The Raptors dropped a home game against TCNJ, 8-1, on Friday.

New Jersey City University entertains Baruch College Tuesday, April 24, at 4 p.m. in a non-conference game.

Ortiz hurls TCNJ
past Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN (April 20, 2007) – Senior right-hander Blake Ortiz (Swedesboro, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) hurled eight innings of five-hit ball to lead No. 11-ranked The College of New Jersey over Rutgers University-Camden, 8-1, in New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball action Friday at Campbell’s Field.

The Lions improved to 20-8 overall and 8-4 in the NJAC with their sixth win in seven games. The Scarlet Raptors fell to 12-18 overall and 1-10 in the NJAC with their fifth straight loss.

Ortiz and Rutgers-Camden senior righty Jason Ronca (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley Regional) were locked in a scoreless pitchers’ duel until the Lions plated an unearned run in the top of the fourth. Senior center fielder P.J. Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) led off with a double to left. One out later, he advanced on an errant pickoff throw, then scored on an infield ground out by sophomore shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville).

The Lions added three runs in the fifth on three hits, sparked by a leadoff walk to senior catcher Gerard Haran (Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge). Haran scored on a double to left by senior second baseman Andrew Cosgrove (Lebanon, NJ/North Hunterdon), the first of three consecutive run-scoring hits. Senior third baseman Matt Zonies (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) added an RBI double to right. Senior right fielder Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) scored Zonies with a single to left.

Rutgers-Camden scored its lone run of the day in the fifth inning following a one-out single by junior right fielder Joe Midili (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township). Midili stole second and advanced to third on a single by sophomore second baseman Dean Straga (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional). Midili scored when Ortiz had an errant pickoff throw on Straga. Although the Raptors added a single by freshman second baseman Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside), their threat ended with a double play ball, one of three twin-killings turned in by the Lions behind Ortiz.

TCNJ broke the game open with a three-run sixth inning on three hits, a walk and an error. The big hit was a two-run single to right by senior left fielder Jeff Botti (Avenel, NJ/Colonia).

Toth added an RBI single in the ninth.

Ortiz allowed five hits, four walks and one earned run in eight innings. He struck out four in raising his record to 4-1. Sophomore Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) finished off the game with a perfect ninth inning.

TCNJ received two hits apiece by Cosgrove and Zonies, while O’Hanlan had a pair of hits for Rutgers-Camden.

Ronca, 3-3, worked 7.1 innings before leaving the game after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Haran. He allowed eight hits, seven runs (five earned) and three walks. He struck out five, including the side in order in the first inning.

Both teams return to action Saturday when they host NJAC doubleheaders at noon. TCNJ faces Ramapo College, while Rutgers-Camden plays New Jersey City University. The two teams will meet again on Sunday in Ewing as TCNJ entertains Rutgers-Camden in a 1 p.m. makeup game that had been rained out on both April 12 and April 16.

Paterson’s VandeVrede hurls
shutout against Rutgers-Camden

WAYNE (April 19, 2007) – William Paterson University sophomore Dan VandeVrede ( Lincoln Park, NJ/Pequannock) tossed a three-hit shutout as the Pioneers defeated Rutgers University-Camden, 5-0, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference baseball game here Thursday.
Paterson improves to 15-11-2 overall and 3-7-1 in the NJAC, while Rutgers-Camden falls to 12-17 and 1-9.

The Pioneers started the scoring with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third. Junior designated hitter Vince Joyce (Franklin, NJ/Wallkill Valley) singled through the right side of the infield, followed by a base hit up the middle from senior center fielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills).  Senior second baseman Wayne Poppe (Sloatsburg, NJ/Suffern) laced a single back up the middle, allowing Joyce to break the scoreless tie. 

Senior left fielder Don Reinertsen (Swartzwood, NJ/Kittatinny) flared a single over the shortstop’s head, plating Pignatello for a 2-0 advantage.

William Paterson made it a 3-0 game in the home half of the fourth when a wild pitch scored senior catcher Ryan Brand (Monroe, NJ/Marlboro).

Senior first basemanTed King (West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor South) finished the scoring with a two-run home run to right-center field in the bottom of the sixth.

VandeVrede (3-4) struck out four without issuing a walk in his complete game, scattering three singles. Rutgers-Camden sophomore lefty Damien Wright (Millville, NJ/Millville) also hurled a complete game, going eight innings, allowing seven hits, three walks and five runs (four earned). Wright, 1-3, struck out seven.

Rutgers-Camden will host The College of New Jersey for Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Gwynedd-Mercy nine
tops Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN (April 18, 2007) – The Gwynedd-Mercy College baseball team collected 12 hits and took advantage of six walks, one hit batsman and four Rutgers-Camden errors as it defeated Rutgers University-Camden, 10-6, in a non-conference game here Wednesday.

The Griffins improve to 16-8 with their fifth straight win, while the Scarlet Raptors fall to 12-16 with their third consecutive loss.

The game was originally scheduled for March 20 at Gwynedd-Mercy and was rescheduled to April 17 before being rained out again and switched to Camden. The third time was the charm for the Griffins, however, as they built a 10-0 lead through six innings, including a five-run sixth when they sent 10 batters to the plate. Gwynedd-Mercy blew the game open in that frame, which featured five hits, an error, two walks, two stolen bases, two wild pitches and a passed ball. Griffins freshman shortstop Scott Carroll (Churchville, PA/Council Rock South) opened the inning with a double and finally ended it with a fly to left. Sophomore designated hitter Nick DiEnno (Philadelphia, PA/Archbishop Ryan) also added a double in the frame, plating one of the runs.

While Gwynedd-Mercy was building its big lead, senior starter Joe Harris (Norristown, PA/Kennedy-Kenrick) was holding the Raptors hitless until senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) poked a two-out single in the fourth inning. Harris allowed two hits and two walks in 4.1 shutout innings, but left before pitching the minimum five innings to get credit for the win. Freshman Tom Weiss (Southampton, PA/William Tennent), the first of five relievers, picked up the win to raise his record to 2-0. Weiss worked two-thirds of an inning, allowing only one walk. He struck out one.

Rutgers-Camden freshman starter Jordan Cohen (Rockledge, PA/Abington) took the loss for his first collegiate decision. He worked five-plus innings, allowing Carroll’s leadoff double in the sixth before being relieved. He surrendered eight hits, six runs (four earned) and three walks.

The Griffins scored a first-inning run after two outs when they drew a walk and collected a pair of infield singles to load the bases. DiEnno was hit by a pitch to force home the run.

Gwynedd-Mercy added a run in the second on a double by senior catcher J.B. Meadows (Pennsville, NJ/Pennsville) and an RBI single by sophomore second baseman Ken Bengtson (Jamison, PA/Central Bucks East). The Griffins tacked on another run on Bengston’s RBI single in the fourth. They scored a pair of unearned runs in the fifth before putting the game away with a five-run sixth.

Rutgers-Camden scored three runs in both the seventh and ninth innings. The Raptors’ first run scored on a double play ball and later Morris added an RBI single in the frame.

Senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) doubled home one of the ninth-inning runs. The others scored on ground outs by Morris and senior designated hitter Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township).

For the Griffins, Bengtson, Meadows, senior first baseman Matt Martin (Pottstown, PA/St. Pius X) and sophomore third baseman Tim McMenamin (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) each had two hits. DiEnno collected three RBIs, while Bengtson had two.

For the Raptors, Morris went 2-for-3 with two RBIs to extend his team-leading hitting streak to seven. Buchter scored two runs to give him 101 for his career, making him only the sixth player in program history to score 100 runs.

Both teams return to conference play tomorrow. Gwynedd-Mercy hosts Eastern University in a 1:30 p.m. Pennsylvania Athletic Conference doubleheader. Rutgers-Camden plays a 3:30 p.m. New Jersey Athletic Conference game at William Paterson University Thursday, then returns home Friday for a 3:30 p.m. NJAC battle against The College of New Jersey.

Rutgers-Camden’s Tate earns
NJAC Rookie Pitcher of the Week

CAMDEN (April 16, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden freshman right-handed pitcher Perry Tate (Cherry Hill, NJ/Haddonfield Memorial) was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie Pitcher of the Week, it was announced today.

Tate earned his honor after a stellar performance against Catholic University during the Scarlet Raptors’ 8-7, 12-inning win in the opening game of a doubleheader April 9. He worked the final five innings, allowing only two hits, one walk and two runs (one earned). He also struck out five and collected his first collegiate victory when the Raptors won the game in the bottom of the 12th.

Tate, 1-0, has pitched eight innings during his first collegiate season.

Tate is the fourth Scarlet Raptor to earn Rookie of the Week honors this season. On February 26, outfielder Steve Myers (Millville, NJ/Millville) was named the NJAC Rookie of the Week, and catcher/designated hitter Paul Painter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) earned the same honor on March 26. Shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside), meanwhile, was named the New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association’s Rookie of the Week April 10.

Bottom of ninth holds nightmares
for Rutgers-Camden baseball team

NEWARK (April 14, 2007) – When the Rutgers University-Camden baseball team watched Rutgers-Newark rally for the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning of the opening game here Saturday in a New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader, the Scarlet Raptors probably figured things couldn’t get much worse.

They did.

After dropping a 6-5 decision in the opener, the Raptors took a seven-run lead into the bottom of the ninth inning of the nightcap, only to see the Scarlet Raiders rally for eight runs and an 8-7 victory.

The sweep gives Rutgers-Newark a 10-18 record overall and a 6-4 mark in the NJAC. Rutgers-Camden is 12-15 overall and 1-8 in the conference.

Game One

In the opener, Rutgers-Camden rallied from a 5-3 deficit to tie the game in the top of the ninth. The rally, sparked by a leadoff single from sophomore second baseman Dean Straga (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional), was capped by a game-tying two-out single from senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional).

In the bottom of the ninth, however, Newark senior shortstop John Farmer (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) and senior first baseman Bill Mercurio (Wappinger Falls, NY/Arlington) opened the inning by getting hit by a pitch. Senior center fielder Brent DiMarco (Nutley, NJ/Nutley) dropped down a bunt single, which was thrown away, allowing Farmer to score the winning run.

DeMarco went 4-for-4, including a two-run single in the first inning. He also scored a run in the third on a double by sophomore designated hitter Christian Diaz (New Milford, NJ/New Milford) to give Rutgers-Newark a 3-1 lead.

Junior left fielder Doug Ford (Neptune, NJ/Neptune) doubled home a run in the fourth for the Scarlet Raiders, while Farmer made it a 5-2 game with a sacrifice fly.

Scarlet Raptors senior first baseman Butch Amato (Haddon Heights, NJ/Paul VI) drove home a run in the second on a fielder’s choice and added RBI singles in the fourth and eighth innings. He went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

Buchter and senior catcher Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) each had three hits for the Raptors. Buchter’s two runs scored gave him 99 for his career, one shy of becoming the sixth player in program history to score 100 runs.

Game Two

Rutgers-Camden appeared to have the nightcap under control, and senior starter Jason Ronca (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) left after eight innings of five-hit shutout ball, leading 7-0. The Raiders promptly exploded for eight runs on four hits, three walks, a hit batter and a sacrifice fly to pull out a stunning 8-7 victory.  Freshman right fielder Anthony Yeswita (Hasbrouck Heights, NJ/Hasbrouck Heights) had a three-run double in the frame. Senior second baseman Tom Callari (Oradell, NJ/River Dell) singled home DiMarco with the winning run.

The rally made a winner out of senior reliever Tom Reynolds (Garfield, NJ/Garfield), who worked the final five innings, allowing four hits, one walk and two unearned runs. Reynolds (1-3) fanned three.

Terrill went 3-for-4, including a solo home run and a pair of doubles, for the Raptors. Freshman catcher Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional) and senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) each had two hits for the Raptors, while Buchter went 1-for-3 with two RBIs. He also drew his 70th career walk to move into second on the career charts, seven behind all-time leader Brian Murphy (2001-04).

Mercurio went 3-for-4 for the Raiders.

Rutgers-Camden returns to action Sunday, weather permitting, with a 1 p.m. non-conference game at Arcadia University. The Raptors have a conference makeup game Monday at 3:30 p.m. at The College of New Jersey.

Rain postpones
Raptor baseball

CAMDEN (April 12, 2007) – Today's scheduled New Jersey Athletic Conference game between Rutgers-Camden and The College of New Jersey has been postponed due to rain. It will be played Monday, with a 3:30 p.m. start at TCNJ.

The Scarlet Raptors will return to action Saturday with a 12 p.m. NJAC doubleheader at Rutgers-Newark.

Rutgers-Camden’s O’Hanlan earns
NJCBA Rookie of the Week honors

CAMDEN (April 10, 2007) – Rutgers University-Camden freshman shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) has been named the New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association’s Rookie of the Week following a fine weekend performance in three New Jersey Athletic Conference games.

O’Hanlan went 5-for-11 Friday and Saturday in a single game against Richard Stockton College and a doubleheader against Montclair State.

After going 0-for-1 as a pinch-hitter against Stockton Friday, he started both games against Montclair State Saturday, going 5-for-10 in the doubleheader with two runs and four RBIs. Three of those RBIs came in the first game as the Raptors won, 5-2, for their first NJAC win of the season.

He continued his success Monday night in a doubleheader win over Catholic University, going 3-for-7 with one RBI and one run scored from the leadoff spot.

For the season, O’Hanlan is batting .333 (11-for-33) in 13 games (seven starts). He has four runs scored and seven RBIs.

Midili’s two game-winning singles
help Rutgers-Camden sweep Catholic

CAMDEN (April 9, 2007) – Junior right fielder Joe Midili (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning of the opening game and added a game-winning single in the bottom of the seventh in the nightcap as the Rutgers University-Camden baseball team swept Catholic University of America, 8-7 and 4-3, in a non-conference doubleheader here Monday night.

The doubleheader, which took 6:16 to complete, helped the Scarlet Raptors raise their record to 12-13, while Catholic falls to 13-14, snapping its four-game winning streak.

Game One

In the opener, Midili singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 12th inning as the Raptors outlasted the Cardinals, 8-7, in a marathon that lasted 3:54 and tied the Rutgers-Camden record for the longest contest in program history. The game was the seventh 12-inning game in Rutgers-Camden baseball history and the first since the Raptors outlasted The College of New Jersey, 3-2, on April 13, 2006 in Camden.

In a game that featured 36 players, 27 hits and five more innings than the regularly-scheduled seven frames, Rutgers-Camden started its decisive rally with a one-out walk in the 12th by senior pinch-hitter Butch Amato (Haddon Heights, NJ/Paul VI). Freshman first baseman Paul Painter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) followed with a single to left field and freshman Tim Wasco (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) ran for Amato at second base. Midili followed with his single to left field, scoring Wasco with the winning run.

With Rutgers-Camden holding a 5-4 lead, Catholic tied the game in the top of the seventh with an unearned run on a two-out RBI single by sophomore third baseman Joe Devine (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee).

Both teams scored in the ninth, with the Cardinals scoring on an RBI single by sophomore catcher Patrick Quintana (Littleton, CO/Littleton) and the Raptors countering on a run-scoring single by freshman shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside).

Catholic took another lead in the top of the 10th with an unearned run, but Rutgers-Camden tied the game again when senior Mark Wickersham (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) ripped a pinch-hit double and was replaced by junior pinch-runner Andrew Lihotz (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast). Lihotz scored on a pinch-hit single by Painter.

Rutgers-Camden freshman Perry Tate (Cherry Hill, NJ/Haddonfield) worked the final five innings with two-hit ball to collect his first collegiate victory. Tate, 1-0, allowed two runs (one earned) and one walk, while striking out five.

Freshman Connor Miehm (Longmeadow, MA/Longmeadow) took the loss for Catholic, dropping to 0-3. He worked 2.1 innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

Quintana had three hits in the game for the Cardinals.

Game Two

In the nightcap, it appeared that Rutgers-Camden wouldn’t need any late-game heroics. Sailing along with a 3-0 lead behind senior southpaw Tim Whitman (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East), the Raptors watched the Cardinals tie the game in the top of the seventh with two outs on an RBI single by junior shortstop Joseph Maca (Oyster Bay, NY/St. Dominic) and a two-run single by senior center fielder Pedro Rivera (Fort Hood, TX/Paint Branch).

In the bottom of the seventh, freshman catcher Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview Regional) drew a one-out walk and was replaced by pinch-runner Scott Fruits (Turnersville, NJ/Paul VI). Sophomore first baseman Matt Gabrielski (Atco, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) singled Fruits to second, setting the stage for Midili’s game-winning hit to center field.

The Scarlet Raptors scored a pair of first-inning runs when Wickersham and Gabrielski were hit by pitches with the bases loaded. They added another run in the sixth inning when senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township) doubled and scored on a single by junior third baseman Shawn Park (West Berlin, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton).

Whitman (2-1) picked up the win, scattering eight hits and three walks in his complete-game performance. He allowed three earned runs in the top of the seventh and finished with six strikeouts.

Sophomore Billy Robbett (Springfield, VA/Bishop Ireton) took the loss, working 1/3 of an inning and allowing two hits, one walk and the decisive run. He falls to 2-1 on the season.

Rivera, Maca and junior catcher Paul Yantosh (Norristown, PA/St. Joseph’s Prep) each had two hits in the game for the Cardinals. Park was the lone Raptor with two hits.

Both teams return to action with road games this week. Catholic plays at Gallaudet University at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Rutgers-Camden visits The College of New Jersey for a 3:30 p.m. New Jersey Athletic Conference game Thursday.

Wright, O’Hanlan help
Rutgers-Camden split at MSU

LITTLE FALLS (April 7, 2007) – Sophomore southpaw Damien Wright (Millville, NJ/Millville) hurled a strong game and freshman shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) went 3-for-5 with three RBIs as the Rutgers-Camden baseball team won its first New Jersey Athletic Conference game of the season with a 5-2 victory at Montclair State University in the opening game of a doubleheader here Saturday.

The Red Hawks bounced back with a vengeance in the nightcap, ripping 23 hits on their way to a 26-8 victory.

The split leaves the Scarlet Raptors at 10-13 overall and 1-6 in the NJAC. Montclair State is 11-11 and 4-3.

Game One

In the opener, Wright’s first win of the season gave the Raptors their first NJAC victory. He worked 8.1 innings, allowing only two hits and a pair of unearned runs in the ninth. He walked seven and struck out three.

Wright held the Red Hawks scoreless until a runner reached base on a one-out error in the ninth inning. Sophomore Adam Sanchez (Leominster, MA/Worcester Academy) relieved Wright and allowed a walk, a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring single before nailing down the final out.

The Scarlet Raptors scored an unearned run in the third inning, which was sparked by a leadoff single from freshman right fielder Steve Myers (Millville, NJ/Millville).

Myers and sophomore second baseman Dean Straga (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional) each singled with one out in the fifth inning, setting the stage for O’Hanlan’s RBI single to left field. The Raptors added a pair of unearned runs in the sixth on two errors, a single by freshman catcher Vince Giunta (Sewell, NJ/Clearview) and a two-run single by O’Hanlan.

O’Hanlan had three hits and three RBIs for the Scarlet Raptors, while senior designated hitter Mark Wickersham (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), Giunta and Myers each added two hits.

Game Two

After collecting only three hits in the opening game, Montclair State exploded for 23 in the nightcap off six Rutgers-Camden pitchers. The Red Hawks rolled up 26 runs, the most allowed by the Raptors since a 27-4 loss to Richard Stockton College on April 13, 1999. It was the third-highest total ever allowed by Rutgers-Camden, with only the Stockton game and a 32-8 loss to William Paterson (April 29, 1995) producing more runs.

The Red Hawks scored three runs in the first inning and added four in the second to grab a 7-0 lead. Rutgers-Camden, however, cut the gap to 7-4 with a four-run third, highlighted by an RBI single from O’Hanlan and a two-run double by senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township).

The Red Hawks added two runs in the third, but the Raptors rallied with a four-run fifth, making it a 9-8 contest. The frame featured RBI singles by senior designated hitter Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township), Giunta and freshman first baseman Dan Stuhlemmer (Collingswood, NJ/Camden Catholic).

Montclair State answered with a 10-run fifth inning to blow the game open. The Red Hawks sent 14 batters to the plate and collected nine hits, sparked by a two-run single from freshman second baseman Marc Palestina (Paramus, NJ/Paramus).  Freshman shortstop Andrew Himmelfarb (Nyack, NJ/Nyack) added an RBI double and senior left fielder Rick Bowness (Sparta, NJ/Seton Hall Prep) had a two-run home run. Junior first baseman Lou Politan (Livingston, NJ/Livingston) had a single and a two-run double in the big frame.

Montclair State added a seven-run frame in the eighth inning, aided by a two-run single from Bowness, who went 5-for-6 with four RBIs in the game. He tied an MSU single-game record with five runs scored.

Politan finished the game 4-for-6 with two runs and three RBIs for the Red Hawks. Himmelfarb and senior catcher Jeff Miller (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) both added three hits for Montclair State.

Rutgers-Camden received two hits apiece from O’Hanlan, Stuhlemmer, Myers and senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional).

The Scarlet Raptors host Catholic University of America in a 3:30 p.m. non-conference doubleheader Monday.

Richard Stockton steals
NJAC win at Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN (April 6, 2007) – The Richard Stockton College baseball team collected 12 hits and eight stolen bases as it raced past Rutgers University-Camden, 8-1, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game Friday at Campbell’s Field.

The Ospreys improve to 15-6-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the NJAC. The Scarlet Raptors fall to 9-12 and 0-5 with their fifth straight loss.

On a cold, windy day, the Ospreys turned up the heat quickly, scoring three runs in the first inning on three hits, a walk and five stolen bases. Sophomore center fielder Chris Discher (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) opened the frame with a single, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. With one out, junior shortstop Pat Goodwin (Mays Landing, NJ/Holy Spirit) walked and executed a double steal, with Discher scoring. Senior left fielder Mike Liquori (Manahawkin, NJ/Carteret) singled home Goodwin, stole second and scored on a single by freshman third baseman Matt Allen (Salem, NJ/Woodstown). Allen added his own stolen base before the side was retired.

The Ospreys added an unearned run in the second inning and tacked on a sacrifice fly by Liquori in the fifth.

Freshman southpaw Matt Hunt (Marlton, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) worked six innings of three-hit ball to earn the victory. He walked five, struck out five and allowed just one earned run in raising his record to 2-0. Both of his wins have come against Rutgers-Camden.

Sophomore Drew Slickmeyer (Stratford, NJ/Sterling) worked the final three innings to collect his first save, holding the Raptors scoreless on one hit.

For the game, Discher went 3-for-5 with one run and two RBIs for the Ospreys. Junior right fielder Joe Sacerdote (Deptford, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), Liquori, Allen and sophomore first baseman Matt Herrmann (Maple Shade, NJ/Camden Catholic) each had two hits for Stockton.

Rutgers-Camden’s lone run came in the sixth inning on a two-out RBI single by senior catcher Tom Terrill (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township).

Scarlet Raptors senior starter Jason Ronca (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) took the loss, allowing all 12 hits and eight runs (seven earned) in eight innings. Ronca, 3-2, walked three and struck out four.

Both teams return to action Saturday, April 7, traveling to NJAC doubleheaders beginning at noon. Rutgers-Camden plays at Montclair State University, while Stockton visits conference-leading Ramapo College.

Weather postpones
game with FDU-Florham

CAMDEN (April 4, 2007) -- The collegiate baseball team between Rutgers University-Camden and Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham, scheduled for today at Campbell’s Field, has been postponed due to the rain. No makeup date has been set, and the game could be cancelled unless the two teams can find a compatible late-season date.

In another change, the Scarlet Raptors’ makeup game at Catholic University on April 10 has been cancelled due to Catholic’s backed up schedule. That game was supposed to be part of a home-and-home series on April 9 and 10. Catholic will still play at Rutgers-Camden April 9 at 3:30 p.m.

The Scarlet Raptors, 9-11 overall and 0-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, return to action Friday. They host NJAC rival Richard Stockton College at 3:30 p.m.

Ramapo explodes to sweep
NJAC twinbill at Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN (March 31, 2007) – The Ramapo College baseball team pounded out 25 hits and scored 23 runs as it swept a New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader at Rutgers University-Camden, 12-2 and 11-3, here Saturday in a pair of games which took 3:12 apiece.

The sweep gave the Roadrunners a 17-4 record overall and a 4-0 mark in the NJAC. During those four conference games, Ramapo outscored its foes, 46-22. The Roadrunners, who have won five straight games, have hit double figures in scoring in 11 of their first 21 games.

Rutgers-Camden falls to 9-11 overall and 0-4 in the NJAC with its fourth straight loss.

Game One

 In the opening game, Ramapo junior righthander Chris Stanisce (Glassboro, NJ/Glassboro) hurled three-hit ball over seven innings, allowing two earned runs, to raise his record to 3-0. Stanisce walked seven and struck out four.

Ramapo scored all the runs it needed in a four-run second inning, which started with a single by junior designated hitter Jairo Jimenez (Bronx, NY/Dewitt Clinton). Following a pair of force outs, Rutgers-Camden junior starter Andrew Lihotz (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast) walked three straight batters, hit one, and walked two more.

The Roadrunners went on to out-hit the Scarlet Raptors, 11-3, as they received a 2-for-4 game with two runs and three RBIs by junior center fielder Nick Sbarra (Washington Township, NJ/Washington Township) and a 2-for-4 game, with two doubles, from freshman second baseman Joey Cacchiola (Union, NJ/Union). Cacchiola had two RBIs and scored one run.

The Scarlet Raptors received only an RBI single in the second by freshman shortstop Dennis O’Hanlan (Riverside, NJ/Riverside), a run-scoring double in the fifth by senior center fielder Nate Buchter (Blackwood, NJ/Highland Regional) and a third-inning double by senior left fielder Mike Morris (Sewell, NJ/Washington Township). The contest marked the 100th career game for Morris, who became the 12th player in program history to reach the century mark in games played.

Game Two

The Roadrunners didn’t waste any time putting the second game away. Ramapo opened the game with a double by Sbarra, an RBI single by freshman left fielder Mike Ruggiero (Fairfield, NJ/West Essex Regional) and a double by sophomore right fielder John Callandrello (Montville, NJ/Seton Hall Prep). By the time the Roadrunners finally recorded their first out, they had collected five hits and three walk