Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – Behind 11 hits, five runs and seven RBI from its third and sixth hitters, the #10 RPI (26-4) baseball team overcame an early 7-0 deficit and went on to defeat William Paterson (21-14), 19-18, in non-conference action April 22.

William Paterson led 7-0 through the top of the second inning behind a two-run homer by Derek Koppinger (Columbia, N.J./North Warren) and a three-run round-tripper by Mike Guadango (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands) before the home-standing Red Hawks tacked on nine runs on seven hits, including three home runs, for a 9-7 lead after two. The Pioneers tied things up at 9-9 in the top of the third inning, and with the help of a John Elia (Emerson, N.J./Pascack Valley) solo home run, added three more in the top of the fourth to take a 12-9 edge. RPI refused to back down, posting a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth and a four-run rally in the bottom of the fifth for a 15-12 lead after five complete.

After a scoreless sixth inning, the Pioneers tied things once again at 15-15 on a RBI-single by Elia, but Rensselaer continued to swing the bat, moving ahead by two in the bottom of the seventh inning on RBI-singles from Sean Wilkes and Dan Valentine.

Led by a two-run single off the bat of Guadango, the Pioneers went up 18-17 in the top of the eighth inning. RPI rallied as senior Matt Muscatiello delivered a two-run single of his own to give the Red Hawks the final 19-18 advantage.

For William Paterson, Guadango went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and five RBI. Senior Anthony Perrone (Midland Park, N.J./Bergen Catholic) was 5-for-6 with two runs scored and two RBI, while Elia went 3-for-6 with a run and three RBI. Senior Steve VandeVrede (Lincoln Park, N.J./Pequannock) took the loss, allowing two runs on one hit with two walks.

In addition to the 37 runs on the scoreboard, the two teams posted a combined 50 hits in the game, including six home runs, eight doubles and a triple.

William Paterson will host John Jay Wednesday, April 23, at 3:30 p.m.