College Baseball
Liberty University 11, Rider University 10
LYNCHBURG, VA?The Broncs banged out 16 hits, but lost at Liberty in the 2006 season opener. “We played as well as we can play offensively,” said head coach Barry Davis.
Rider (0-1) led 2-0 in the second. The score was tied 3-3 in the third, Rider led 6-4 in the fifth, 8-6 in the sixth, and Rider led 10-7 in the seventh. “We put up good offensive numbers, we just couldn't get people out,” said Davis.
Liberty scored two runs in the eighth inning and two more in the ninth for the victory.
Senior Mike Poalise (Hammonton, N.J./Hammonton) collected two hits and now has 100 for his career, while extending his hitting streak to 12 games (ended last season on an 11-game hitting streak). “It was a crazy game, a good offensive game,” said Poalise. “The 100 hits was a goal of mine, and I think a big milestone for me. I really wanted to do it last year, and I came close, so during the winter I set a goal to get it the first game and get it over with, so I'm happy it happened today. I just wish it could have happened in a win. That's my only goal now, to win, and make the MAAC playoffs.”
Senior Bryan Wagner (Flemington, N.J./North Hunterdon ) had three of Rider's hits, including a two-out, two-run double in the fifth inning that gave Rider a 6-4 lead. “Bryan had a big hit that gave us the lead in the middle of the game,” Davis said.
Senior Justin Squashic (High Bridge, N.J./Voorhees) also enjoyed his first three-hit game as a Bronc.
Rider senior Tom Letizia (Fair Lawn, N.J./Fair Lawn) had two doubles. Senior Gene Crimoli (Shrewsbury, N.J./Christian Brothers Academy) extended his hitting streak to six games with two hits, including a double, and had two RBI. Junior Jeff Reynolds (Denville, N.J./Parsippany Hills) also had two hits for Rider.
Junior pitcher Justin Roszkowski (Clark, N.J./Arthur L. Johnson) started but got knocked out in the fourth inning, striking out three. “We didn't have the pitching we needed today,” said Davis. “They scored in every inning but three.”
Rider plays Liberty Saturday and Sunday, both games at 1pm.
“This is the best team we've had since I've been here,” said Poalise. I think we're going to surprise some people this year. I think we surprised some people today the way we came right out and swung the bats.”
-RU-
