Box Score

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers baseball rallied from an early four-run deficit to make it a one-run game, but Michigan State responded to win 10-4 in the series opener Friday at Bainton Field.

Sophomore Kyle Driscoll (Toms River, N.J.) kept the Scarlet Knights in striking range by providing 4.1 innings of long relief, striking out three. The right-hander stranded both inherited runners and left with one run against in the outing. Following up, sophomore Ryan Fleming (Churchville, Pa.) recorded the final four outs. Junior Mark McCoy (Barnegat, N.J.) (1-6) suffered the loss in his ninth start of the season.

At the plate, junior R.J. Devish (Beachwood, N.J.) had two singles with an RBI, while sophomore Mike Carter (Bloomfield, N.J.) reached three times with two walks and a single. Junior Chris Suseck (Flemington, N.J.) added a sacrifice fly.

For the Spartans (20-16, 5-5), Chad Roskelly hit two solo home runs and Mark Weist connected for a three-run shot. MSU collected 13 hits on the day. Starter Cam Vieaux (3-4) picked up the pitching victory with three earned runs allowed over seven complete frames.

After Michigan State went up 4-0 in the second inning, Rutgers (12-24-1, 5-8) rallied for three in its half of the third. Freshman Milo Freeman (Millburn, N.J.) singled to start and senior Joe D'Annunzio (Scotch Plains, N.J.) walked with one out to put two aboard. Next up, sophomore Tom Marcinczyk (Middlesex, N.J.) beat out an infield single, as the throw from Vieaux went astray to allow Freeman to touch home. Suseck lifted a sacrifice fly for the second run, with Devish lacing a two-out RBI single up the middle to make it 4-3.

However, MSU answered with two in the fourth and one in the fifth to go up 7-3. RU added one in the sixth on an RBI single through the right side by Carter to drive in Suseck, who had previously notched a one-out hit. That would be all offensively for the Scarlet Knights on the day, though.

Game two of the Big Ten series is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. from Bainton Field. Junior Howie Brey (Middletown, N.J.) is slated to start on the mound for Rutgers. The contest will be broadcast on BTN Plus and WRSU.

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