College Baseball
Rutgers University 12, Rider University 8
NEW BRUNSWICK-Junior A.J. Albee (Ashley, Pa./Hanover Area) hit two home runs and had five runs batted in, but it was not enough as the Broncs lost at Rutgers Wednesday. "A.J. had a great day," said Rider head coach Barry Davis.
Albee hit a three-run home run in the top of the ninth inning for the final score.
Rutgers (9-10) scored two runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth and two in the sixth to take an 8-5 lead, before breaking the game open with four runs in the seventh inning, taking a 12-5 lead. "They got to our bullpen," Davis said.
Rider's first five (of seven) pitchers gave up 12 runs on 12 hits. "We didn't pitch or play defense," Davis said.
Freshman Chris LeRoy (Freehold/Colts Neck) was the only bright spot on the Rider mound, striking out two in a shutout inning of work. Freshman pitcher Mike Murphy (Hamilton/Peddie) struck out the only batter he faced.
Rider (9-9) scored three runs in the third inning on an RBI single by Albee and a sacrifice fly by junior Mason Heyne (Shrewsbury, Pa./Susquehannock) to take a 3-2 lead.
Albee had four of Rider's seven hits. Albee leads Rider with 30 hits on the season.
Albee hit a home run in the first inning to give Rider a 1-0 lead and junior John Ralston (Annandale, Va./Paul VI) hit a home run in the fourth inning to give Rider a 5-2 lead. "We didn't play a complete game," Davis said.
Junior Karl Johnston (Hamilton, N.J./Peddie) had a hit, walked twice and scored twice for Rider. "We didn't swing the bats too bad," Davis said, "we just didn't come with the big hit when we needed it."
Rider defeated Rutgers 13-5 in Lawrenceville last season.
Rider plays the home opener Saturday when the Broncs host Niagara for a 12 noon Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference doubleheader. "We need to play well this weekend," Davis said. 'We need these games."
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