Montclair, N.J. (4/28/23) – Montclair State University used a five run, seventh inning to rally back from an eight run deficit to defeat Kean University, 12-9, on Friday afternoon.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Kean scratched across a single run in the second on an RBI groundout from Justin Teixeria.  The Cougars (22-14-1, 11-4-1 NJAC) then plated three in the fourth and four more in the fifth.

Caleb Rodriguez drove in two with a triple and Nick Houghton followed with an RBI triple for a 4-0 lead.

In the fifth, Josh Jackson registered an RBI with a fielder's choice and Kyle Adorno, Teixeria and Rodriguez all collected RBI singles to put Kean ahead, 8-0.

The Red Hawks (23-9, 10-6 NJAC) cut the deficit in half with a four run, fifth inning.  Sam Angelo got things going with an RBI single and two runners scored later on an errant throw trying to complete a bases loaded double play.

MSU came within one in the sixth as Ryan McKenna was hit with the bases loaded and Miles Feaster lined an RBI single to right.  A runner scored in between on a double play ball.

Kean pushed across a run in the seventh to add to their lead (9-7).  Rodriguez registered the RBI on a fielder's choice.

The Red Hawks rallied in the bottom of the same inning as Reece Malek drove in two with a single to center to tie things up and Angelo put them ahead for good with a three run shot in the right field corner.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

Rodriguez was 3-for-5 with four RBI and a run scored.

Jason Gilman had a no decision after tossing five innings allowing one earned run with six hits and one walk.  He fanned five.

UP NEXT:

Kean hosts Rowan University for a doubleheader.  Date and time are still to be determined based on weather.