VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson baseball team (1-0) used a six-run seventh inning to rally and defeat Nichols (0-1), 8-7, in a non-conference game that was called for darkness after the seventh inning to open the season Feb. 21 at Jeff Albies Field.   
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Bison took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third after a batter was hit by a pitch with two outs and came around to score on an RBI single to center.
• William Paterson evened the score in the bottom half of the frame once junior Tyler Ruban (Oak Ridge, N.J./Jefferson Twp.) reached on a base hit before scoring on an RBI triple by junior Tom Radigan (Verona, N.J./Verona).
• Junior Giovanni Aresta (Matawan, N.J./Old Bridge) led off the fifth with a double down the left field line and came around to score on a Ruban RBI base hit to put the Pioneers ahead, 2-1.
• Nichols plated three runs in the sixth and added three more in the top of the seventh to take a 7-2 lead.
• Aresta and sophomore Will Pitt (Bloomingburg, N.Y./Don Bosco Prep) logged back-to-back singles to open the bottom of the seventh. After the first out was recorded, Radigan brought them both in to score on a two-RBI triple to center. Senior Jake Lutz (River Vale, N.J./Pascack Valley Regional) then drove in the third run of the inning with a base hit through the right side to trim the deficit to two (7-5).
• A throwing error on a fielder's choice and a wild pitch put two runners in scoring position to set up junior RJ Mehnert (Wayne, N.J./DePaul Catholic) for what turned out to be the game-winning three-run home run.
• The game was called after seven innings due to darkness.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Radigan went 2-for-3 at the plate with a triple, three RBI and a run scored.
• Lutz posted a two-hit outing with an RBI and a run scored.
• Aresta made his WP debut and had a pair of hits, including a double, while crossing home twice in three at-bats.
• Ruban recorded two hits, a run scored and an RBI.
• Mehnert notched his first career home run with three RBI and a run scored in his WP debut.  

 
UP NEXT:

• The Pioneers return to action Thursday, Feb. 22, for a 2:15 p.m. game against Stevens at Jeff Albies Field.

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