EAST LANSING, Mich. – Rutgers baseball dropped the series finale at Michigan State, 6-0, on a chilly Sunday at McLane Baseball Stadium. The Scarlet Knights previously took both ends of a Friday doubleheader and end the weekend at 15-10 for the season, 4-2 in the Big Ten and winners of five-straight series.
 
It was the first time RU was shutou this season. Junior Nick Matera reached two times on a single and a walk, while fifth-year senior Chris Folinusz doubled twice and both junior Luke Bowerbank and junior Carmen Sclafani singled. In addition, senior Kyle Walker extended his on-base streak to 21 games.
 
On the mound, sophomore Kyle Gerace made his first appearance since March 3 and dealt a perfect inning of relief. Redshirt sophomore Tommy Genuario and freshman Collin Kiernan also registered scoreless outings. Freshman Eric Heatter (1-2) took the loss in a 4.2-inning start, striking out three. For Michigan State (7-19, 1-5), Mason Erla (4-1) earned the win by pitching seven scoreless frames.
 
RU threatened with one out in the first when junior Jawuan Harris walked, stole second and stole third. Walker drew a one-out walk, but the runners were left at the corners. Runners were also stranded in scoring position in the second and third.
 
Heatter retired the first seven batters faced and left two on in the third. However, two RBI doubles and a bunt single put the Spartans on top by three in the fourth inning. Two more came home in the fifth and another in the seventh to set the final at 6-0.
 
The temperature at first pitch was 36 degrees.
 
The Scarlet Knights return to Bainton Field next week for four non-conference games, starting Wednesday at 3 p.m. versus Villanova. LaSalle will visit on the weekend for a three-game series.
 
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