Category: Rutgers baseball

Rutgers baseball shutout St. John’s in a 15-0 home victory

Rutgers baseball got a sparkling performance on the mound and at the plate in a win over St. John’s.

It was a big bounceback for Rutgers baseball (24-16) as exploded for 15 runs to defeat St. John’s (25-10-1) 15-0 at Bainton Field on Tuesday.

Given the offensive output, it is easy to overlook the performance of the Rutgers baseball staff as they recorded a stellar performance in holding St. John’s to four hits. For Rutgers, the midweek win was crucial as they bounced back from a Big Ten weekend sweep at Iowa.

Rutgers produced eight runs in the first inning and didn’t look back. First baseman Ty Doucette produced the first run for the Scarlet Knights when he opened up the scoring with an RBI groundout. Later in the inning, Rutgers extended their lead when third-baseman Tony Santa Maria registered a two-run single, giving the Scarlet Knights a 3-0 lead.

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As the first inning continued, left fielder Pablo Santos walked and second baseman Cameron Love got hit-by-a-pitch, each adding to Rutgers’ lead (5-0). To end the first inning, right fielder Trevor Cohen delivered the big blow – a three-run double into the right field corner to make the score 8-0.

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The Scarlet Knights added insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth inning when Doucette doubled down the left field line, scoring shortstop Josh Kuroda-Grauer. Also, Doucette scored in the same inning by a wild pitch, extending Rutgers’ lead to 10-0. Catcher Jackson Natili produced the final run in the fourth inning when he singled through the ride side, increasing Rutgers’ lead to 11-0.

Rutgers produced their final runs of the game in the fifth inning, extending their lead to 15-0. Cohen and designated hitter Johnny Volpe led the Scarlet Knights three RBIs.

Rutgers returns to Big Ten play this weekend with a three-game series at Indiana.

 

 

 

A big career moment for Rutgers baseball’s Josh Kuroda-Grauer over the weekend

On Saturday, Rutgers shortstop Josh Kuroda-Grauer reached 200 career hits when he singled to center field in a 15-5 loss to Iowa.

On Saturday, Rutgers shortstop Josh Kuroda-Grauer reached 200 career hits in a losing effort against Iowa. In the seventh inning, Kuroda-Grauer recorded his 200th hit when he singled to center field.

In two and a half years with Rutgers baseball, he has registered 139 singles, 40 doubles, 6 triples, and 15 home runs throughout his 591 at-bats. Also, Kuroda-Grauer has logged 110 RBIs and 63 walks, while recording a 41.3 percent on-base percentage.

The 2023 Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist is having a career year for the Scarlet Knights in 2024. He has surpassed his previous season’s hit total while tying his career total in RBIs with 15 games remaining in the regular season.

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In his first season with the Scarlet Knights, Kuroda-Grauer received the 2022 Rutgers Athletics Male Freshman of the Year award and was an All-Big Ten selection.

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As a sophomore, Kuroda-Grauer started all 56 games at shortstop for Rutgers, receiving a USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp Invitation.

According to FSS Plus Senior Analyst Joe Doyle, JKG is ranked No. 157 in the recently updated Top 300 board for the 2024 MLB Draft. The 2023 Academic All-Big Ten honoree has been on fire throughout the 2024 season and is one of the best shortstops in college baseball.

 

Rutgers baseball: How is former-Scarlet Knight Ryan Lasko shaping up in the MiLB?

Ryan Lasko is going through an adjustment in the Oakland Athletics minor league system.

After getting drafted by the Oakland Athletics in Round 2 of the 2023 MLB Draft, former Rutgers centerfielder Ryan Lasko is very much finding his feet for Stockton Ports.

In his first season with the Athletics’ single A team, Lasko has registered a .138 batting average throughout his 29 at-bats early on this season. In seven games, the 6-foot, 190-pound outfielder recorded four hits, two RBIs, four walks, and one stolen base, logging a .242 on-base percentage.

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While with the Scarlet Knights, Lasko tied Rutgers’ single-season doubles record (24) in 2022 and received All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2023. In three seasons with Rutgers baseball, he registered a .314 batting average throughout his 641 at-bats. Lasko started 154 games for Rutgers, logging 201 hits, 38 home runs, 47 doubles, seven triples, and 135 RBIs.

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It is common for players to struggle early on in the minor leagues and the season is still very young. Lasko certainly showed the potential at Rutgers to take the next step and play at this level.

 

Rutgers baseball’s Cam Love has a highlight play in the field

Cam Love flashes the leather in Rutgers baseball’s win on Sunday.

Over the weekend, Rutgers baseball faced one of its toughest challenges of the season in No. 21 Nebraska.

While Rutgers entered the series as underdogs they were able to record a series win, partly due to the defense of Cameron Love.

On Sunday, Love earned national attention for a play that left scouts and fans in the stands impressed. With Rutgers hanging onto a 5-4 lead with one out in the top seventh, Cayden Brumbaugh stepped to the plate and hit a line drive up the middle that seemed destined for the outfield. However, Love had other plans and made a diving catch. However, his stellar play did not stop there.

In the top of the ninth, Nebraska’s outfielder Cole Evans smoked a line drive to the right side of the infield, and again, Love made a diving catch. All Nebraska could do was look on in awe as Love continued to catch anything hit in his direction.

Cam Love can go right or left to take away hits. 👀

The Rutgers 2B flashed more leather late in yesterday’s win over Nebraska. @CameronLove47 x @RutgersBaseball pic.twitter.com/XJ9CIFoiXi

— Big Ten Baseball (@B1Gbaseball) April 15, 2024

 

While Rutgers got contributions from their entire roster to take down Nebraska, Love’s play stood out. Like he has done all season, Love put his body on the line to take away a hit.

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As the season winds down, the talented infielder is expected to add to his highlight reel while frustrating opposing hitters.

Rutgers baseball gets a win over in-state rival Seton Hall

Rutgers baseball got back on the winning track with a win over Seton Hall.

On Tuesday, Rutgers baseball (20-12) defeated their in-state rival the Seton Hall Pirates (17-15) 8-1 during mid-week action. The Scarlet Knights combined for ten hits, producing eight runs in a winning effort.

Rutgers starting pitcher Jordan Falco went 4.2 innings, recording three strikeouts and one earned run. Falco gave up five hits and one walk in a no-decision. In relief for Falco, pitcher Sonny Fauci picked up his fourth victory on the season after getting the final out in the bottom of the fifth inning.

At the plate, Rutgers first baseman Ty Doucette (3 RBIs) and left fielder Pete Durocher (3 RBIs) combined for six of the eight runs for the Scarlet Knights. Doucette launched a three-run home run over the scoreboard in right field in the top of the seventh inning, recording his sixth home run of the year. With his three RBI day, the Rutgers first baseman bumped up his season RBI total to 26.

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Second baseman Cameron Love also picked up an RBI as shortstop Josh Kuroda-Grauer recorded a three-hit day.

The Scarlet Knights return to action on Friday as they host Nebraska in a three-game series at Bainton Field.

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Rutgers baseball dropped Big Ten series against the Boilermakers

On Saturday, Rutgers baseball lost the second game of its series against Purdue 8-6, dropping their second Big Ten series in 2024. 

On Saturday, Rutgers baseball (19-11, 1-4) lost the second game of its series against Purdue (19-12, 4-4) 8-6, dropping their second Big Ten series in 2024.  The Scarlet Knights took a 6-5 lead into the ninth inning, but the Boilermakers hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the final frame to earn the win and clinch the series.

Game One

In game one, the Scarlet Knights rallied to tie the game at 3-3 with two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Boilermakers scored a pair in the 10th inning to win.

After Rutgers starting pitcher Justin Sinibaldi posted five shutout innings, Purdue got on the board on an RBI fielder’s choice in the sixth inning to give the Boilermakers a 1-0 lead. In the seventh inning, the Boilermakers added another run on an RBI single giving Purdue a 2-0 lead. Rutgers reliever Joe Mazza came in the seventh inning, recording two strikeouts to hold the Purdue lead to two.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, second baseman Cameron Love got the Scarlet Knights on the board with a solo home run over the left field wall, making the score 2-1.

Purdue added an insurance run in the top of the ninth inning to extend their lead to 3-1, but the Scarlet Knights would tie the game in the bottom frame.

The Scarlet Knights cut Purdue’s lead to one when pitch-runner Scotty Young scored on a wild throw by the Boilermakers. Center fielder RJ Johnson Jr. tied the game with an RBI single, but a double play would end the frame and send the game to extra innings.

Purdue grabbed a 5-3 lead in the 10th inning when the Boilermakers scored on a hit-by-pitch and walk. The Scarlet Knights tried to rally in the bottom frame, but fell short, giving Purdue the game one victory.

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Game Two

The Scarlet Knights grabbed an early lead in game two, scoring three runs on an RBI single from shortstop Josh Kuroda-Grauer, a run-scoring double play, and a solo home run from catcher Jackson Natili.

After two scoreless innings by starting pitcher Zack Konstantinovsky, Purdue tied the game when they strung together three hits in the top of the third inning.

Rutgers third baseman Tony Santa Maria recorded his ninth home run of the season in the fourth inning, giving the Scarlet Knights a 5-3 lead. The Boilermakers didn’t quit, answering right back with an RBI double and RBI groundout in the fifth inning to make it 5-5.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Doucette delivered a sac fly to deep center that scored one run, giving Rutgers a 6-5 lead.

Purdue strung together two singles in the top of the ninth inning before a three-run home run put the Boilermakers in front 8-6. The Scarlet Knights couldn’t produce any runs in the bottom frame, going down 1-2-3 in the bottom half to end the game.

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Nebraska earns top 25 ranking, is the lone Big Ten team nationally ranked.

One Big Ten team is nationally ranked this week.

Despite an impressive 19-9 start to the season, Rutgers baseball is still not ranked. However, a Big Ten team made the cut in the most recent Top 25 rankings for the first time in weeks. Nebraska was ranked No.22 after going 3-0 last week.

As Nebraska went undefeated they were led by an offense that has been on fire of late. The Cornhuskers outscored Northwestern 22-14 in a three-game sweep. Nebraska will be back in action on April 5 to begin a series with Ohio State. 

While the latest rankings for Rutgers are disappointing, they have struggled of late. After beating Michigan State last Friday, the Scarlet Knights lost the last two games of the series. They were outscored 8-4 in that span and did not score more than two runs in either game. 

Back at Bainton for Big Ten play.

Big series on tap against Purdue.

➡️ https://t.co/xd4RpHjptg#TCD pic.twitter.com/a3aYLAU84G

— Rutgers Baseball (@RutgersBaseball) April 4, 2024

As Rutgers looks to get back on track, its offense will need to rediscover its power. The Scarlet Knights early season success has partly been due to its ability to put five runs on the board nightly. Rutgers best player has been Josh Kuroda-Grauer, who has posted a team-high .413 batting average.

This weekend, Rutgers will look to get back in the win column when they welcome Purdue to Bainton Field.

Rutgers baseball lost their first Big Ten series against Michigan State

After defeating Michigan State 4-2 on Friday, Rutgers baseball dropped back-to-back games against the Spartans on Saturday and Sunday.

Rutgers baseball’s start to the Big Ten season got off to a bit of a rocky start, listing their series with Michigan State.

After defeating Michigan State (12-14, 3-3) 4-2 on Friday, Rutgers baseball (19-9, 1-2) dropped back-to-back games against the Spartans on Saturday (5-2) and Sunday (3-2).

Game Two

The Scarlet Knights brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning but could not complete the comeback against the Spartans in game two. Rutgers pitcher Christian Coppola (4-2) picked up his second loss on the season, recording five strikeouts and allowing four earned runs on four hits in five innings pitched.

The Spartans struck first in the bottom of the third inning when right fielder Jack Frank logged a home run to right field, giving Michigan State a 3-0 lead. The Scarlet Knights cut the Michigan State lead to two when left fielder Johnny Volpe recorded a solo blast in the top of the fifth inning. After a scoreless bottom of the fifth inning by the Spartans and a sac fly by Rutgers Pete Durocher in the top of the sixth inning, the Spartans lead was cut to one.

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Durocher’s RBI in the sixth inning would be the final run for the Scarlet Knights on Saturday, giving the Spartans a 5-2 victory.

 

Game Three

For the second straight week, Rutgers got a career-long start from pitcher Zack Konstantinovsky, recording six shutout innings on Sunday. He finished with zero runs, six hits, four strikeouts, and three walks.

The Scarlet Knights built a 1-0 lead for Konstantinovsky in the top of the third inning when shortstop Josh Kuroda-Grauer singled in Trevor Cohen to give Rutgers an early lead.

Rutgers added to their one-run lead in the top of the seventh when Cohen doubled home catcher Jackson Natili to give the Scarlet Knights a 2-0 lead. While Rutgers grabbed the 2-0 advantage into the bottom of the seventh, the Spartans hit a pair of doubles to score one and an RBI single up the middle to score a second, tying the game at 2-2.

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After Rutgers went scoreless in the eighth and ninth innings, MSU had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Spartans would win the game on a two-out double followed by a walk-off single, giving them the 3-2 victory.

The Scarlet Knights will return to action on Wednesday against Marist after their Tuesday matchup against Hofstra was canceled because of weather conditions.

 

Rutgers baseball: Tony Santa Maria proving to be powerful bat for Rutgers

Tony Santa Maria is off to a very strong start for Rutgers baseball.

Through the first few weeks of the college baseball season, Tony Santa Maria has been a key part of Rutgers success. The New Jersey native has been a hits machine and displayed impressive power. With him in the lineup Rutgers offense has been hard to stop.

Through 25 games, Santa Maria has added eight home runs and 37 hits to his resume. He has also shown ability to drive the baseball, with 16 extra-base hits. Regardless of the opponent, he has made an impact whenever he steps into the batters box and posted a .374 batting average.

Welcome back Tony Santa Maria! @RutgersBaseball third baseman takes Andrew Dutkanych deep to left center. Santa Maria missed almost all of the 2023 season with injury. pic.twitter.com/mwfoq6wAPQ

— Brian Recca (@brian_recca) October 21, 2023

During the 2023 campaign, the talented infielder was limited to five games due to injury. However, he showed a preview of what he can do with a .429 batting average in seven at-bats. Now that he is healthy, Rutgers is reaping the benefits of having one of their best bats back in action.

As Rutgers looks to build on their success they will need Santa Maria to continue his red hot start. He has already recorded 13 multi-hit games with over a month left in the regular season. The Iona product also leads the team in home runs, RBI, total bases and on base percentage.

Regardless of what happens over the next few weeks, Santa Maria has provided a reminder of his importance to this Rutgers team.

Rutgers baseball defeated Michigan State in a thrilling Big Ten Opener

On Friday evening, Rutgers baseball defeated Michigan State 4-2 in a thrilling Big Ten opener.

On Friday evening, Rutgers baseball (19-7, 1-0) defeated Michigan State (10-14, 1-3) 4-2 in its Big Ten opener. The Scarlet Knights were down to their final five outs and trailed the Spartans 2-0, but a two-run home run from RJ Johnson Jr. and a two-run single from Cameron Love secured Rutgers’ comeback victory.

Rutgers pitcher Justin Sinibaldi got the nod in Rutgers’ Big Ten opener, quickly falling behind 2-0 at the end of the first inning. After the early runs, Sinibaldi settled down, logging five straight shutout innings. Sinibaldi registered another quality start, recording two runs (one earned) on five hits, striking out four, and walking one batter throughout six innings pitched.

 

Pitchers Ben Gorski and Donovan replaced Sinibald after his quality start, holding the Spartans scoreless in the seventh and eighth innings. Rutgers Joey DeChiaro earned the save on Friday, striking out two batters and forcing a pop-up to secure his fourth save in 2024.

At the plate, Johnson Jr. and Love produced all the runs for the Scarlet Knights as freshman Ty Doucette extended his hitting streak to ten games after a double down the right field line in the top of the ninth inning.

The Scarlet Knights get set to take on Michigan State in game two on Saturday at 3:35 PM.

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