College Baseball
Princeton University 14, Rider University 3
LAWRENCEVILLE?In Rider's only game of the week due to exams, the Broncs lost to cross town rival Princeton Wednesday. “This week is always a tough week to play,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis. “It is a little distractive, but when you are here, you need to be more focused than what we were today, especially on the mound.”
In their season finale the Tigers (20-22) scored 13 runs in the first three innings off of four Rider pitchers on seven hits, seven walks and two hit batsman to win at Rider. “It's unfortunate we didn't give ourselves a chance early to stay in the game,” Davis said.
“I thought we hit the ball,” Davis said. The Broncs (24-17) matched Princeton in hits with 11 each, as Rider junior Maurice Williams (Ocean, N.J./Monmouth Regional) had three of Rider's first seven hits. “I thought Mo had a good day at the plate,” Davis said.
Junior Sean Olson (Vineland, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) had two hits for Rider, including his 10th home run of the season and the 17th of his career.
Junior James Hayes (Sunrise, Fla./Piper) and freshman Steve Galella (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial) each had two hits for Rider.
David Hale had a grand slam in the second inning, Princeton's only hit in the eight-run inning. “You can't give a team eight runs on one hit,” Davis said. “Princeton didn't have to do a whole lot.”
Micah Kaplan also homered for the Tigers to lead off the third inning.
Princeton starting pitcher Langford Stuber earned the win, allowing just one run in five innings.
Rider junior Derek Caldwell (Allentown, Pa./Salisbury) pitched three innings in relief and allowed just one run while striking out four. “Derek threw well,” Davis said. “He established himself. I thought he was good. He was sharp, he was around the plate.”
Rider senior Jon Leise (Woodbury, N.J./West Deptford) hit an RBI single in the eighth inning. “I thought we kept playing,” Davis said. “I don't think we quit. I think the guys' attitudes were good. It was just one of those days.”
Rider hosts Siena in a three-game MAAC series this weekend, beginning with a 12 noon doubleheader Saturday. “This will be a big series,” Davis said. “They're playing pretty well. They are still in the mix so they need to win. They've always been a good solid team and we've always had very competitive games with them.”
Between games Saturday there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new stadium seating and press box. Prior to the Sunday 12 noon game Rider's graduating seniors will be honored.
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