PISCATAWAY, NJ--- The California Baptist baseball team made a statement win over Power 4 Rutgers on Friday evening, besting the Scarlet Knights 10-4 in New Jersey. CBU improves to 9-9 on the season, dropping Rutgers to 8-10.
The Lancers jumped out to a hot start after connecting with the bat three times in the first inning, highlighted by an RBI double from Andrew Walters. Rutgers threatened in the bottom of the first after plating a pair of runs to knock CBU's lead to a lone run. The Lancers responded well in the top of the second after forcing a run on a four-pitch walk with loaded bases before Jake Brown hit a sacrifice fly to secure another run.
The next four innings would remain scoreless on account of solid pitching from both ends. Cody New tossed another solid game for the Lancers with great defense to back him up, going 6.2 innings and striking out three while only giving up a pair of runs. CBU got the offense going again in the top of the seventh with an RBI single from Trevor Spainhoward before posting a four-run eighth inning. The Scarlet Knights got going in the bottom of the ninth after a pair of runs crossed home plate, but David Vizcaino shut down the comeback attempt.
Nicholas Dumesnil found his rhythm on the East Coast after going three-for-five at the plate and bringing home two runs. True freshman Chris Ramirez also laced three hits, while Andrew Walters tallied three RBI on two hits.
The Lancers will return to Piscataway tomorrow afternoon for an 11:00 AM PST on the hunt for a series win.
