Rutgers Softball Hosts LIU In Rematch
Apr 28 | Softball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Scarlet Knights will close out their homestand Thursday, April 30, against Long Island University. Rutgers hopes to avenge its loss to LIU during a pre-season pickup game in Tampa, Fla. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
RU enters the matchup 21-30 overall, 4-16 in BIG EAST action. The Scarlet Knights split with Seton Hall last weekend with several players seeing success on the field. The pitching staff struck out 13 in 12 innings of work on the day. Rutgers forced Seton Hall to pick their poison as both ends of the lineup produced runs for the Scarlet Knights. Senior Sarah Kalka (Moreno Valley, Calif.) went deep in the 9-1 game one victory with a two-run home run in the first inning, becoming the Scarlet Knights’ all-time leader in home runs with 21.
RU looks to attack the LIU (27-15 overall, 17-1 in Northeast) pitchers and snap the Blackbirds’ five game win streak. LIU’s Blaire Porter pitched two one-hit shutouts against St. Francis last weekend to earn NEC Pitcher of the Week. With four batters hitting over a .300 average, the RU defense will find a challenge in keeping the Blackbirds off the bases.
Coming off solid performances in last weekend’s matchup with Seton Hall, Rutgers pitchers hope to continue their prowess in the circle. The outfield has kept extra bases to a minimal in recent performances, making diving catches and throwing out trail runners.
The Scarlet Knight pitchers will look to utilize the outfield, especially with the Blackbirds’ leading hitter, Bianca Mejia. Mejia is hitting for a .390 average with 28 RBI, 12 homeruns and 12 doubles. The Blackbird slugger also leads the team with 19 walks.
