Tag: Sam Portnoy

Rutgers baseball Ben Gorski and Sam Portnoy was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watchlist

Rutgers baseball Ben Gorski and Sam Portnoy was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watchlist as the top relievers in the country.

On Monday, Rutgers baseball Ben Gorski and Sam Portnoy were named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Watchlist as the top relievers in the country.

The Scarlet Knights are coming off a three-game sweep over Winthrop Eagles last weekend, where Gorski and Portnoy contributed to those victories.

Gorski made his 2024 season debut on Sunday, facing three batters in the bottom of the fifth inning to hold Rutgers’ 5-3 lead. The Chatman, New Jersey native recorded six pitches, logging one fly out to center field and a line out to right field, doubling off a baserunner at first base.

Last season, Gorski recorded his best season as a Scarlet Knight. He logged a 3.40 ERA with eight saves and 46 strikeouts in 39.2 innings pitched. In 2023, Gorski was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team and was the Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week (3/13/2023).

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As for Portnoy, the Rutgers reliever made his 2024 debut on Sunday but did not have a strong start like Gorski. Portnoy logged 25 pitches, letting up two earned runs with two walks and a hit, facing seven batters.

In three seasons with the Scarlet Knights, the Voorhees, New Jersey native has logged a 3.72 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. Portnoy has recorded a 6-1 record with one save, appearing in 42 games for the Scarlet Knights.

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Rutgers baseball: Sam Portnoy has become a reliable arm in the bullpen

Sam Portnoy is putting together a strong season for Rutgers baseball.

Over the last two years, Sam Portnoy has become a familiar name to Rutgers fans. Last year he became a trusted bullpen arm in his first season as a Scarlet Knight. During the 2023 campaign, he has built on that success and proven to be a valuable piece. While his time at Rutgers is far from over, his impact has been hard to deny.

In 16 games this season, the New Jersey native has posted a 3.81 ERA and added one save to his resume. While Portnoy has filled various roles, he has held batters to a low average. Opponents are hitting .181 against him.

As Portnoy has continued to frustrate opposing offenses, his ability to miss bats has improved. The redshirt sophomore has set a career-high this season in strikeouts with 23. While working exclusively out of the bullpen, he has allowed 11 home runs and only walked 12 batters. That almost mimics Portnoy’s numbers from the 2022 campaign.

Through 37 appearances as a Scarlet Knight, Portnoy owns a 3.51 ERA.  He has come through in big situations and will get the chance to shine in the Big Ten tournament starting on May 24th. Until then, his focus will be putting Rutgers in the best position to succeed.

With 14 games left in the regular season, Portnoy still has plenty of time lower his ERA. He has not allowed a run in two straight outings and only allowed one hit in that span. That is a welcoming sign for Rutgers, as they will rely on their talented righthander over the next few weeks.