PISCATAWAY, N.J. (May 1, 2012) - Rutgers University baseball totaled 11 hits, but could not cash in for any runs, dropping a midweek game to Hofstra University, 7-0, on Tuesday at Bainton Field. The Scarlet Knights fell to 10-3 at home this season and 9-2 in midweek contests.
Junior Pat O'Leary (Sparta, N.J.) (2-1) pitched seven strong innings with only five hits and two runs allowed in fifth start of the year, but did not receive any run support in the loss. It was the longest outing of the season for the right-hander.
Four Rutgers (26-18) hitters notched multiple-hit games, led by a three-hit day from junior right fielder Steve Zavala (Randolph, N.J.). The left-handed hitter collected singles to left field, center field and right field, while lining out in his other at bat. He has now registered three games this season with three base knocks.
Sophomore center fielder Brian O'Grady (Warminster, Pa.), junior catcher Jeff Melillo (Annandale, N.J.) and junior designated hitter Charlie Law (Mainland, N.J.) also had two hits on the afternoon, but the Scarlet Knights stranded 11 runners on base.
Hofstra (26-17) took the lead in the top of the first on a two-out single to right field by first baseman Jared Hammer and added another in the second on a sacrifice fly by catcher Matt Reistetter. Following five scoreless frames, the Pride put the game away with five runs in the last two innings to win their sixth-straight game.
Brett Schrieber (3-1) earned the win with four scoreless innings of relief on the mound, while Nick Kozlowski shutout the Scarlet Knights over the first four. David Jesch worked the ninth inning, as it was the third time Rutgers had been shutout this season.
Rutgers will look to bounce back on Wednesday, May 2 against Iona at Bainton Field. Sophomore Slater McCue (Radnor, Pa.) will start on the mound for RU, with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.
NOTES
Hofstra was the third Colonial Athletic Association team RU had faced this season (Old Dominion, Delaware) … the game was played on a mostly sunny, 70 degree afternoon.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter @baseballRU. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with .
