RICHMOND, Va. – Rutgers baseball (9-1) earned its six-straight win in shutting out VCU (3-7), 8-0, Sunday at The Diamond. The Scarlet Knights, outscoring opponents 91-33 through 10 games, are off to the program's best start to a season since 1962 after completing a 4-0 week with road victories at four different opponents.
 
"We got another great start from Florence," head coach Steve Owens said. "Cimillo hit a homer early for some breathing room. There were three key defensive plays in a close game. Tony at third base and Nyisztor in left field in the first inning, then Josh with a tremendous play in the sixth to save two runs. Those defensive plays plus the bullpen were huge. An all-around good game against a good opponent."
 
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer highlighted the offensive attack with a pair of two-run singles for four RBIs. The freshman has started his career 9-for-26 (.346). He also ranged into the hole on the right side with two outs in the sixth to prevent two from scoring in a 4-0 game at the time.
 
"Josh is really good," Owens said. "His success isn't a recent development. He's continued to get better through hard work."
 
Nick Cimillo also continued his hot hitting with a solo homer, single, walk and three runs scored. He has posted a .614 on-base percentage so far with eight extra-base hits. Danny DiGeorgio and Ryan Lasko contributed multiple-hit games, while Mike Nyisztor ripped a two-run triple. The Scarlet Knights went 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position, including two hits by Kuroda-Grauer with bases loaded.
 
On the mound, Nathan Florence earned his second win dealing 5.1 shutout innings, permitting just three hits, no walks and striking out six. He lowered his ERA to 0.68 through three starts with 19 strikeouts compared to five walks. Ben Gorski came in first from the bullpen and stranded a pair of inherited runners. Garrett French then worked two scoreless frames, with Kyle Muller pitching the ninth to secure the shutout.
 
"The pitchers are getting better," Owens said. "They are not walking guys and pitching aggressively."
 
The defense played its sixth game this season with no errors.


 

SCORING

 

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UP NEXT

The Scarlet Knights returns to New Jersey for the home opener Tuesday versus Wagner. First pitch at Bainton Field is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Big Ten+ and WRSU 88.7-FM.
 
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