College Baseball
NJIT 2, Rider University 1
LAWRENCEVILLE-The Broncs lost to the New Jersey Institute of Technology Tuesday. "We did not hit in the clutch today," said Rider head coach Barry Davis. "We had opportunities to tie the game, to go ahead in the game, and we didn't take advantage of the few opportunities we had."
Rider (7-20) cut the lead to 2-1 in the seventh inning when junior Ian Lindsay (Oaklyn/Haddon Twp.) singled, freshman Mike Parsons (Liverpool, NY) singled, Lindsay stole third and scored on a throwing error.
NJIT (7-12) scored two runs in the sixth inning on a walk, stolen base, a double, another walk and a single.
Rider freshman lefty David Hafer (Pine Grove, PA) made his third collegiate start and allowed just five hits in six innings, striking out a career-high eight. "Once again we wasted another good starting performance," Davis said.
Senior Brandon Cotten (Wiconisco, Pa./Williams Valley) collected a single in the fourth inning, giving him 179 hits for his career, 20th most ever at Rider. His 125 career runs scored is already 14th most ever at Rider.
Rider sophomore outfielder Jerry Mulderig (Langhorne, PA/Council Rock South) made his fourth appearance on the mound and pitched the final inning and two-thirds, allowing just one hit while striking out one. "Jerry threw fine," Davis said. "He pitched out of a tough situation."
Sophomore Nick Crescenzo (Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) and freshman Eric Strano (Robbinsville) also collected hits for the Broncs.
The loss was the sixth in a row for Rider. "This is about as tough a season, right now, that I've been a part of, with the talent we have" said Davis, who entered this year with a record of 761-348, including 190-181 at Rider. "We've had worse talent and played much better in previous years."
Rider won 6-4 at NJIT last year. The two teams have met five times with Rider winning three. "Give NJIT credit," Davis said. 'They pitched four guys and they threw strikes, didn't walk a batter. They came here on our field and out-played us for nine innings. They deserved to win."
The Broncs return to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action with a three game series at Fairfield Saturday (doubleheader) and Monday. "When you have guys that can play, like we have, there is always a chance to turn things around," Davis said.
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