March 7, 2009
Norfolk, Va. - The Scarlet Knights of Rutgers broke open a 3-3 tie with an eight-run seventh inning, on their way to a 13-8 win over Old Dominion Saturday afternoon. The loss was the third straight for the Monarchs who fell to 3-7, while the Scarlet Knights improved to 3-5.
Old Dominion starter Brett Harris pitched six and a third innings, striking out eight and allowing just three runs before being replaced by Cory Toth in the top of the seventh. The Scarlet Knights took advantage of the switch and reeled off five singles, which coupled with an ODU error and two walks, helped Rutgers score six consecutive runs with Toth on the mound. Brandon Smith came on to try and stall the Rutgers offense, but he too was met with RBI singles by Russ Hopkins and Dan Betteridge, giving the Scarlet Knights an 11-3 lead.
The Monarchs closed the gap with five runs in the bottom of the eighth behind RBI's from Jake McAloose, Donnie Corsner, Chris Buss and pinch hitter Kenny Stoneback. With the score sitting at 12-8, ODU sent the tying run to the plate with the bases loaded, but Josh Wright flied out to center to end the inning.
Betteridge, Jarred Jimenez and D.J. Anderson each drove in two runs for the Scarlet Knights. Most went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and a run scored for the Monarchs, while McAloose led ODU with three hits on the day.
The Monarchs will look to avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. when the two teams close out the series.