PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers baseball dropped its series opener against Minnesota by a score of 3-2 on Friday night at Bainton Field.
 
The Scarlet Knights (17-21, 6-10 Big Ten) were unable to complete the comeback over the Golden Gophers (19-17, 6-10 Big Ten), despite clawing back from a 3-0 deficit and making it a one-run game late. 
 
On the mound, Landon Mack delivered another quality start for RU. The true freshman became the first Rutgers starter to pitch into the eighth inning this season, throwing eight total innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits, one walk and a career-high eight strikeouts. 
 
Minnesota struck first with an unearned run in the third after a pair of RU errors. The visitors added another in the fourth on a solo home run to make it 2-0. A sac fly in the sixth pushed the advantage to 3-0.
 
The Scarlet Knight bats finally broke through in the eighth. After back-to-back batters were hit by a pitch, Pablo Santos drove in the first run of the game on an infield single. Trevor Cohen then drew a bases-loaded walk to make it a one-run game at 3-2.

Despite getting the tying run on base with one out in the ninth, RU was unable to tie things up and the Gophers held on for the victory. 

Career Highs 

• Landon Mack: Innings Pitched (8.0), Strikeouts (8), Batters Faced (31)

Game two between Rutgers and Minnesota is set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Bainton Field.

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