VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson baseball team (1-4) had the winning run on base during the bottom of the ninth, but the Pioneers couldn't capitalize in a 3-2 loss to visiting Stevens (4-0) Feb. 28.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Stevens took a 1-0 advantage during the top of the second inning with a leadoff walk, single, hit by pitch and sacrifice fly.
• The Pioneers answered with two runs during their next at-bat. Sophomore left fielder Mike Novak (Lake Hopatcong, N.J./Jefferson Twp.) reached on a leadoff error and senior right fielder Noah Cabassa (Pomona, N.Y./North Rockland) was hit by a pitch before a wild pitch advanced each runner 90 feet. Senior center fielder Jake Lutz (River Vale, N.J./Pascack Valley Regional) delivered a two-out single up the middle, handing WP a 2-1 edge.
• Two bases hits, a walk and a ground-rule double made it a 3-2 Ducks advantage in the third.
• Junior pinch hitter Christian Hay (River Edge, N.J./River Dell Regional) started the bottom of the ninth with a base on balls and was lifted for sophomore pinch runner Matthew DiGirolamo (Dumont, N.J./Dumont). After a strikeout and DiGirolamo stolen base, Lutz drew a one-out walk. A strikeout and groundout then ended WP's comeback hopes.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Lutz went 2-for-4 with a two RBI.
• Senior Darmany Rivas (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) surrendered three runs, six hits and two walks, striking out three in 4.2 innings as the starter (0-1).
• Graduate student Dan Castaneda (Bergenfield, N.J./Bergenfield) scattered a hit and a walk over 2.0 scoreless innings, posting one punchout.
• Freshman Robert Nathan (Lords Valley, Pa./Vernon Twp.) twirled 1.1 shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out one batter.
• Junior Neel Telidevara (Dayton, N.J./South Brunswick) retired all three batters he faced, one by strikeout.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson will host RIT for a doubleheader Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m.

 
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