RPI looked to run away with the game early on, putting up four runs in the first two innings. After scoring once in the opening frame when Jamie Riese scored on a Bob Capaldo single to right, TCNJ tied things up in the top of the third, 4-4, only to see the Red Hawks come back in the bottom half, when Mike Kohri was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Riese to take the lead.

The Red Hawks threatened in the bottom of the ninth, and seemed to have a victory within reach, but they ran into TCNJ closer Nick Maddalena. TCNJ’s new all-time leader for appearances intentionally walked Brian Marine to load the bases with one out, but Matt Faraone grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to clinch the win for TCNJ.

"You can only hit for so long," Lions’ coach Rick Dell said. "In tournament play, pitching and defense are going to win you baseball games and that was the case tonight."

First baseman Dan Quinn led the RPI assault, picking up three of the Red Hawks eight hits, driving in one and scoring a pair of runs. Five RPI pitchers — including Eric Thunell who allowed the go-ahead runs — combined to allow six runs on 12 hits, issuing seven strikeouts.

Second baseman Chris Schoohoven went 3-for-4 for the Lions, while Colin Renick went 2-for-4 with a run. Nate CasaGrande threw 6.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and struck out four.

CasaGrande picked up the win, improving his record to a perfect 8-0, while Maddalena picked up his 10th save. The Red Hawks will take a 36-13 record into their upcoming game with Marietta College.

Thunell took the loss, his second of the season. RPI finished its season at 33-11.

Written By Andrew Wagner
Photos By Lehigh Photo