The Montclair State University baseball team’s losing streak continued as they lost to Rutgers University-Newark, making their record 10-16 last Thursday.
Montclair State freshman left-handed pitcher Jonathan Anderson allowed two runs in the second inning, and the Scarlet Raiders of Rutgers-Newark wasted no time advancing on their opponents.
Scarlet Raiders junior outfielder John Klimowich hit a two-out solo home run in the third inning, making the game 3-0. The Red Hawks, however, struggled to get batters on base. Scarlet Raiders sophomore left-handed pitcher Michael Matusz was able to keep the Red Hawks off the scoreboard until the seventh inning.
Prior to those plays, Matusz sent Montclair State junior infielder Hayden Reyes to first base as he was hit by a pitch. Junior catcher Justin Bates then hit a double toward left field, allowing Reyes to score. This was the only run the Red Hawks were able to score the entire game.
In the eighth inning, the Scarlet Raiders were able to double their score as junior first baseman Connor Clare hit a three-run double to end the game. The final score of the game was 6-1 Rutgers-Newark, making this the Red Hawks’ eighth consecutive loss.
Freshman outfielder and pitcher Christopher Walker believes that their loss was due to the team’s mentality and lack of leadership.
“We need some more leadership in the team, the energy in the dugout,” Walker said. “I don’t think it is anything physical at this point, I think it is more mental.”
Bates agreed with Walker in the type of game they played.
“Today’s game was not what we wanted,” Bates said. “I think there is a lack of caring sometimes throughout the game.”
Freshman Jonathan Anderson pitches midway through the game.
Ben Caplan | The Montclarion
Bates also believes that the Red Hawks must work on physical aspects of the game in order to win.
“I think we need to step it up, we need to get clutch hits and we need to get guys on base and getting them in,” Bates said. “We are not doing a good job hitting or pitching.”
Although this was another tough loss for the Red Hawks, high hopes remain as they continue with the season. The Red Hawks competed against Rutgers-Newark again Friday afternoon, where they also lost 7-3.
“I think we just have to prepare mentally for the game,” Bates said. “If we come mentally prepared and we are excited to play and everyone is backing each other, we will come out with a win.”
