NEWARK, NJ – A furious ninth-inning rally by #19 Rowan fell short as the Profs were defeated by Rutgers-Newark, 8-7, in an NJAC game. The Profs (22-11; 8-8). Will close out the regular season on Saturday hosting a crucial doubleheader vs. NJCU.
After Rutgers-Newark (18-18-; 3-13) built up an 8-3 lead in the seventh inning, the Profs fought back with four runs in the ninth but it wasn't enough. A pair of two-run doubles by
Pat Defeciani and
Dylan Maria got the Profs within one, but Vince Taylor pitched the final three innings and kept Rowan from tying the game.
The teams were scoreless through the first four innings, with starters
Matt Choi and Rutgers-Newark's Matthew King keeping both squads off the board.
But the Profs ended that streak in the top of the fifth as Mannino led off with a double and advanced to third on a fielder's choice from
Chris Serrano. A balk allowed both runners to move, with Mannino crossing the plate for the first run of the game.
Kevin Stewart's fly out advanced Serrano to third and he scored on a sacrifice fly from
Tyler Cannon as Rowan held a 2-0 lead.
Rutgers-Newark countered with four runs in the sixth to own a 4-2 lead and Rowan added one in the seventh after Mannino led off with a walk. The junior advanced on a single from Serrano and a sacrifice bunt by Stewart, scoring on a passed ball.
The Scarlet Raiders would add the winning runs in the bottom of the seventh, scoring four on four hits and two Prof errors.
Rowan rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth. Mannino again led off with a walk, advanced on a single by Cannon and then a walk drawn by Sedalis. He scored when Defeciani hit a two-run single which also scored Cannon. Pinch runner
Mason Dorsey and Sedalis scored on a two-run single by Maria, but Taylor was able to end the game and earn the save.
Choi (2-2), who had five strikeouts, took the loss for Rowan with King earning the win.
Charlie Russell and Joey Dineen pitched the late innings for the Profs.
Mannino and Maria were the only Rowan players with multiple hits, two apiece.
The Profs' regular-season finale on Saturday against NJCU, begins at 11:30 a.m. on Senior Day. The NJAC Tournament pairings and bracket will be announced later Saturday evening after the conclusion of conference play.
