Union, N.J. (4/21/16) – The Kean University baseball team won battle number one as the Cougars used two big innings in a 5-3 win over #5 Ramapo College on Thursday afternoon.
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Southpaw Richie Ferguson improved to 5-3 with his fourth straight complete game effort and fifth overall this season. In today's matchup he allowed three runs on nine hits (eight singles).
In the bottom of the first Kean (19-12, 8-3 NJAC) used a two out rally to plate two. Senior Sal Taormina started the rally with a single deep in the hole and classmate Andy Lopez followed with a double down the line. With two runners in scoring position, sophomore Matt Krupa lined a single up the middle for the quick 2-0 lead.
The score would remain that way for a while as both starters were dealing in the matchup. Ramapo didn't get a runner aboard until the fourth inning, but that single was quickly erased with a nice line drive double play turned by senior Chris Amato and Krupa.
The Roadrunners (25-5-1, 7-4 NJAC) broke through in the sixth as Ryan Rinsky lined a one out double down the line. Rob DeAngelis followed with a single to center and Matthew Chemis reached on a fielder's choice. Senior Joe Venturino tied things up with a double to left field on a sinking liner and Connor Walsh gave Ramapo the lead with an RBI single.
Ferguson worked himself into and out of trouble in the eighth working around a two out rally that loaded the bases, but he ultimately got away unscathed with a flyout to end the inning.
The Cougars took advantage of the pitching change and Amato doubled on the fourth pitch he saw to start the bottom of the eighth. Taormina was willing to sacrifice the tying run over to third, but a throwing miscue allowed him to reach to put runners on the corners. Kean tied things up later in the frame as Lopez swiped second. The throw to second was errant and that allowed Amato to score, knotting the game at three-all. With two outs, rookie Shayne Fontana recorded the game-winning RBI with a single up the middle and he would provide insurance as he stole second and later scored on an infield single from Frank Urso.
Ferguson retired the side in order in the ninth to seal the win.
Offensively Taormina and Urso each had two hits for the Cougars while Venturino picked up three hits and two RBI.
Jerry D'Andrea (1-1) suffered his first loss of the season. He allowed three runs, one earned, and three hits. Kyle Haag had a no-decision after tossing seven innings allowing two runs and six hits.
The two teams will square off again tomorrow in Mahwah at 3:30 p.m.
