HOBOKEN, N.J. (April 26, 2008) – Sophomore centerfielder Mark Rasulo batted .500 (4-for-8) on the day with a double and a run scored as the Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team dropped a pair of games to Rochester Institute of Technology Saturday afternoon in Hoboken, N.J. The Ducks fell by the scores of 5-1 and 8-3 as they now hold a 7-25 overall record and 0-10 Empire 8 ledger.
With two outs in the top of the first of Game One, senior catcher Ryan Tryt (Fulton, N.Y.) recorded his second homer of the year with a two-run blast over the right field fence. The Tigers added a pair of runs all with two outs in the top half of the second. Senior third baseman Matt George (Walton, N.Y.) drove in sophomore outfielder Ryan Campbell (Brockport, N.Y.) off a single to centerfield. After George stole second, sophomore pitcher Geoff Dornes (Landisville, Pa.) posted a base hit to plate George.
The Ducks posted their only run of the game in the bottom of the third as senior first baseman John Frustaci lifted a sacrifice fly to centerfield to score junior second baseman Matt Girnys.
The Tigers added an insurance run in the top of the seventh when George scored off a single up the middle by junior shortstop Jeremy Tosh (Woodbine, Md.). Dornes earned the win (2-2) for his six innings of work. He allowed a run on six hits as he faced 26 batters. George led having gone 2-for-3 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. Dornes batted 2-for-4 and crossed the plate once for the Tigers.
For Stevens, Rasulo and senior catcher David Katusa both went 2-for-4 in the loss as the Ducks stranded eight men on base. Sophomore lefty Joe Finora was tagged with the loss (1-6) as he threw for six and one-third innings. He rendered five earned runs on 10 hits and struck out seven batters.
The Tigers grabbed a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth as junior centerfielder Anthony Culotta (Rochester, N.Y.) plated Dornes on a fielder’s choice in the top of the first. Dornes also scored the second run of the game as he crossed the plate on a throwing error by the shortstop in the third. The Ducks knotted things up in the fourth (2-2) with one out as the bases were juiced for freshman third baseman Ken Meerendonk. He doubled to the gap in right center as freshman catcher Dennis Ackerman and Katusa came in to score. Stevens was unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position as the inning ended with a ground out to the left side.
After two scoreless innings, the Tigers entered the seventh and came away with six runs. Tosh drove in the go-ahead run with a single to right field to plate George. In the bottom of the seventh, the Ducks were only able to come away with a run as Rasulo scored on a throwing error by the second baseman.
Dornes batted 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Tosh went a perfect 3-for-3 as he recorded an RBI and a run scored. Freshman second baseman Justin Smith (Livonia, N.Y.) finished the day 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI. Sophomore pitcher Cory Langtry (Moravia, N.Y.) recorded his sixth win (6-2) of the season as he threw a seven-inning complete-game and gave up two earned runs on six hits.
The Ducks were led by Meerendonk, who went 1-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Ackermann batted 2-for-4 and notched a run scored. Freshman pitcher Dan Anunziatta was tagged with the loss (2-4) for his six innings of work. He gave up three earned runs on nine hits and struck out five batters.
Stevens will return to action on Sunday for Senior Day as another doubleheader is scheduled against RIT with Game One slotted for a noon start. The Ducks will honor its seniors as it will be their last home game at Dobbelaar Field. Live Stats will be provided at /livestats/baseball/xlive.htm.
