LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University baseball team will look for a quick turnaround after dropping the opening game of its three-game set against Fairfield on Friday evening, 17-2. The Broncs fall to 15-13 on the season, losing in league play for the first time to move to 3-1. The Stags improve to 15-12 on the year, and 6-1 in MAAC play.
 
The Stags broke the game open in the second, scoring eight runs on six hits, capped by a two-run home run off the bat of Charlie Pagliarini.
 
In the third, Jordan Erbe (Toms River, NJ/Toms River South[UMass]) hit a one-out single. Two batters later, Jack Winsett (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) singled through the right side allowing Erbe to take third. John Volpe (Sea Girt, NJ/Wall) followed with a base hit that drove in a run.
 
The Stags would remove any thought of a comeback, scoring a run in the fourth, then adding a home run in the sixth. In the eighth, the Stags used another pair of home runs as part of a six-run inning. Another home run in the ninth extended the lead to 17-1.
 
 Luke Lesch (Gloucester Township, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) gave the home fans something to cheer for in the bottom of the ninth launching a home run to right field, but the Stags locked in and recorded the final three outs successfully.
 
Quotes & Notes
"We've had this happen. It does happen. We're good enough, we're certainly capable of playing much better than that. It's just one of those days."
 
"Tomorrow will be an indication of what kind of character and what kind of pride we have. Whether we win or lose, just how we compete and how we go about."
 
"Law of average says if you make good pitches, they don't hit it into holes. We just have to make good pitches." – Head Coach Dr. Barry Davis
 
- Joe Papeo (Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge) got the start for the Broncs, taking the loss after allowing seven runs in 1.1 innings.
- Danny Kirwin (Lansdale, PA/North Penn) threw two innings, allowing two runs, while striking out five.
- Brian Young (Neptune, NJ/Communication) was the most effective Bronc on the mound Friday, tossing 3.1 innings, allowing just one run, and striking out a pair.
- Frank DelGuercio (Millstone, NJ/The Hun School of Princeton) tossed the final inning, allow just the one run.
 
Broncs by the Numbers
- The Broncs were held to just five hits, two off the bat of Volpe. The Stags totaled 22 hits in the game.
- Volpe extends his hitting streak to ten games.
- Lesch's home run is his fourth of the season.
 
Up Next
- The Broncs continue the three-game set with the Stags on Saturday. First pitch from Sonny Pittaro Field is at 1 p.m.