2005 WILLIAM PATERSON RELEASES

2005 SEASON PREVIEW

After last season’s trip to the New Jersey Athletic Conference championship game, the 2005 William Paterson Pioneers (26-14, 12-6 New Jersey Athletic Conference in 2004) are ready to build upon the three elements that were primarily responsible for their success in 2004.

• Pitching depth, led by senior starters Dan Corrado, Jake Pravkewitz and Dan Sweeney. • A number of fleet-footed performers on the basepaths paced by sophomore center fielder Rick Pignatello, who set a school rookie record with 24 stolen bases (in only 26 tries) last spring. • Solid all-around defense, with Pignatello, sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia and sophomore middle infielder Mike Rivera among the many standouts.

“We’re young in spots, but we’re also very talented,” said coach Jeff Albies, who is entering his 31st season in the Pioneers’ . “We don’t have one dominant , but we have 10 or 11 very good . I think our pitching, our defense and our speed will define our success.”

Here is a preview of this season’s Pioneers by position:

PITCHERS

Although the staff does not have an ace, per se, the trio of Corrado (2-3, team-leading 2.95 ERA), Pravkewitz (5-1, 3.33 ERA, 45 K in 54.0 IP) and Sweeney (5-1, 4.26 ERA, 37 K in 30.2 IP) will anchor a rotation that helped William Paterson rank second in the NJAC with a 3.93 team earned average last season. Corrado is a battler adept at getting ground ball outs, while Pravkewitz and Sweeney each have a wide assortment of pitches that has helped them notch in key spots.

Junior Anthony Pastore (3-2, 3.96 ERA) matured in 2004 and will also be a valuable member of the rotation. Sophomore Mike Santana (4-2, 5.97 ERA) showed flashes of potential in his rookie season and could either start or in long relief.

The will sport a number of quality arms as well. Juniors Doug Rader, the staff’s lone southpaw, and Billy Ziegenbalg will team with sophomore Mike Irwin and freshman Jason Cameron in middle relief.

Sophomore Joe Grawehr (1-0) will set up either classmate Tim Cowan (2-1, 3.04 ERA), a nasty breaking- ball pitcher who emerged as one of the NJAC’s top relievers last season, or junior Casey Hoalcraft, a transfer from Brookdale Community College.

CATCHERS

Despite playing in just 15 games before suffering a season-ending injury, senior Anthony Mazzo (.362, HR, 12 RBI) provides one of the team’s most potent bats. He will compete with junior Frank Muzikar, a 2004 all- region performer at Middlesex County College, for the starting assignment. Each will see action either behind the plate or at . Senior Jeremy Winter (.311, 2 HR, 28 RBI) is in line to earn at-bats as a DH. Freshmen Don Hays and Sean Ryan are solid all-around performers who will add insurance at a deep position.

INFIELDERS

There is so much depth in the Pioneers’ that there are numerous players competing for starting spots. Beginning at first base, the trio of Rader, senior Dwayne Dowell and junior Mike Roman, a transfer from Mercer County College, will battle for a starting slot.

Moving on to the middle infield, Rivera (.257, 28 runs, 13 RBI, 11 SB) has great instincts on the basepaths and in the field. He could end up starting at either second base or shortstop after a solid rookie campaign at the latter position. Senior Tim Banos (.285, career-highs with 37 runs, 16 RBI and 8 SBs), a two-time All- NJAC honoree, also knows when to take an extra base and is in the hunt at second base while slick-fielding freshman Dan Limone is vying for time at second and/or shortstop. Adding depth are sophomore Ryan Lenihan -- a transfer from Gettysburg who can play second, short or third -- and fleet-footed freshman Mike Frank.

At the hot corner, Banos will battle slugging freshman Anthony Cacciola for the starting assignment.

OUTFIELDERS

Two of the spots appear to be set. In addition to his ability to track down fly balls, Pignatello (.297, 36 R, 13 extra-base hits, 16 RBI) emerged as one of the NJAC’s top offensive threats and will lead off and start in center field. In right field, Gelalia has a strong throwing arm and is also adept offensively, as his performance in the NJAC Tournament showed. Cameron will back up Gelalia.

A quartet of players could start in left field, each with solid qualifications. Senior Adam Rehl (17 runs) is considered the team’s best baserunner and defensive player by Albies. He could also see action in center. Junior Pete Zaccheria (.315, .25 BB, 479 on-base percentage) started for much of last season and showed a penchant for igniting rallies. The play of freshman Andres Luna opened eyes during fall ball. Finally, Rader may also see action when he is not pitching or playing first base.

Pioneers Rally Past Coe (IA), 11-9, as Mazzo Drives Home Five Runs

CLEARWATER, FL (March 11) - Junior outfielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) singled home the go-ahead run in the top of the ninth, as William Paterson scored three times in its final at-bat to defeat Coe (IA), 11-9, in its season opener Friday at Jack Russell Stadium.

Senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro), who led off the ninth with a , finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a career-high four RBI for the Pioneers, who rapped 16 hits. He smacked a two-run in the fourth and lashed a bases-clearing in the sixth that gave his team an 8-3 lead before Coe rallied to score six times in the ensuing frame.

After Mazzo's leadoff single in the ninth, junior Mike Roman (Trenton, NJ/Northern Burlington) reached on a fielder's choice and freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) walked to load the bases. A suicide squeeze by sophomore Ryan Lenihan (Old Tappan, NJ/Old Tappan) scored Mazzo and made the score 9-9 before Zaccheria drove home Roman with the go-ahead run. A RBI single by sophomore shortstop Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic), who went 2-for-5 with a walk, delivered Cacciola with the game's final run. Sophomore right-hander Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) pitched the final for William Paterson and notched the victory. Cowan, the last of four Pioneer pitchers, gave up two hits and fanned two..

Senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph Regional) finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Cacciola, Rivera and sophomore outfielders Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) and Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) each had two hits for the Pioneers. Cacciola and Roman each scored twice.

Senior Dan Corrado (Dumont, NJ/Dumont) started on the mound and pitched the first six , allowing nine hits and three runs.

William Paterson returns to action Saturday, March 12, for a 3 p.m. game against Wheaton (MA) at the Clearwater (FL) Invitational.

Pioneers Can't Contain Wheaton (MA), Suffer First Setback of the Season

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 12) – Despite getting two hits apiece from senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) and freshman outfielder Andres Luna (West New York, NJ/Memorial), William Paterson dropped an 8-4 decision to Wheaton (MA) on Saturday afternoon. With the loss the Pioneers’ record now stands at 1-1.

William Paterson scored two runs in the first inning to take a 2-1 lead when sophomore infielder Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) scored on an and Mazzo belted an RBI single to score sophomore outfielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Northern Valley at Old Tappan).

Wheaton responded by scoring four runs in the fifth inning and then adding two more insurance runs in the eighth inning to take an 8-2 lead.

Most of the Lyons’ damage came off William Paterson senior starter Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep), who gave up five runs (four earned) on four hits in 4.1 innings. Sweeney also struck out five, walked two and five batters.

The Pioneers closed the scoring in its half of the eighth on an RBI double by junior catcher Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) and a by senior infielder Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison).

William Paterson returns to action on Sunday, March 13, at noon against Keene State (NH).

Pioneers Drop Pair of Seven-Inning Heartbreakers to Keene State (NH)

TAMPA, FL (March 13) - William Paterson succumbed to a pair of seventh-inning rallies and dropped two seven-inning contests to Keene State, 6-5 and 9-7, Sunday at St. Leo's College as part of the Clearwater Invitational. With the setbacks, the Pioneers dropped to 1-3 while having their losing skid extended to three games.

Here are highlights from both games:

GAME ONE

Keene State trailed 5-4 entering the bottom of the seventh, but scored twice. The winning run came across on a with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to make a loser of junior reliever Casey Hoalcraft (Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional). Hoalcraft allowed one hit and two runs.

The Pioneers took a 5-4 lead in the sixth when sophomore outfielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) and senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) each laced RBI singles. Gelalia went 3-for-4 with three RBI to pace William Paterson, while senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) was 2-for-3.

Senior right-hander Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon) started and lasted 4.2 innings, allowing eight hits and four runs (three earned). He walked two and struck out three.

GAME TWO

Keene State rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh, including two off a critical William Paterson error, to take the nightcap.

This ruined a fine effort by Mazzo, who went 2-for-4 with four RBI. He slugged a 3-run home run in the bottom of the first to help the Pioneers pull within 4-3 after Keene State touched up sophomore right-hander Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) for four runs in the top of the frame.

William Paterson led 7-5 after scoring three times in the bottom of the sixth. Mazzo and junior outfielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) sandwiched RBI singles around a run-scoring double by sophomore outfielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills).

Pignatello was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a , while Zaccheria was 2-for-2 with a single and . Sophomore infielder Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) also had two hits for the Pioneers, who finished with 11 hits.

Junior righty Bill Ziegenbalg (West Milford, NJ/West Milford) took the loss after allowing two runs in 0.2 innings of work. Santana lasted four innings at the start and scattered five hits and four runs, all in the first inning, with three walks and four strikeouts.

Gelalia's Single Secures 10-Inning, 8-7 Victory over Springfield (MA)

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 15) – Sophomore outifielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) singled home freshman infielder Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) with the winning run with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning as William Paterson snapped a three-game losing streak with an 8-7 victory over Springfield (MA) on Tuesday at Miller Huggins Field as part of the Clearwater Invitational.

Gelalia reached base in five of his six plate appearances, going 2-for-3 with two RBI, two walks and a for the Pioneers (2-3), who rallied from a 7-5 deficit by scoring twice in the bottom of the ninth after an infield throwing error enabled sophomore outfielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) and senior second baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison) to score the tying runs. Banos finished 3-for-6 and scored twice for William Paterson, while senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) finished 2-for-4 with an RBI double.

Springfield (2-2) scored twice in the top of the ninth when junior outfielder Matt Basteri roped an RBI triple and fellow junior outfielder James Miner followed with a run-scoring double.

The Pioneers trailed 5-3 in the seventh when Banos led off with a single and scored on an error. Freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) singled home sophomore infielder Ryan Lenihan (Old Tappan, NJ/Old Tappan) to make the score 5-5.

Sophomore Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) notched the victory and improved his record to 2- 0 despite allowing three hits and two runs (one earned) in two innings of work. Junior Scott Samolewicz got the loss for the Pride, allowing three runs in the final two frames.

William Paterson returns to action on Wednesday, March 16, at 11;30 a.m. against Ripon (WI) at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL.

Pignatello Slams Three Home Runs in 22-8 Pounding of Ripon (WI)

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (March 16) – Sophomore outfielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) went 5-for-5 with three home runs, five runs scored and five RBI to lead William Paterson to a 22-8 victory over Ripon (WI) as part of the Clearwater Invitational. The game was halted after eight innings.

Pignatello tied a school record by slugging a two-run home run and a pair of solo shots for the Pioneers (3- 3), who rapped out 24 hits and knocked out five home runs. He was among six William Paterson players who amassed at least three hits.

The Pioneers scored three times in the first on a three-run homer by senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerso Boro), then pushed across six more runs in the second. Freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) smacked his first college roundtripper, a two-run shot, and sophomore infielder Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) roped a two-run double while Mazzo and Pignatello each laced run-scoring hits.

Mazzo went 3-for-5 with four RBI, while Cacciola and junior first baseman Mike Roman (Trenton, NJ/Northern Burlington) each finished 3-for-4 with three RBI. Rivera was also 3-for-5 and drove in two runs, while junior catcher Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) was 3-for-3 with a double and a RBI.

Senior right-hander Dan Corrado (Dumont, NJ/Dumont) improved to 1-0 despite allowing nine hits and seven runs (six earned) while walking four and fanning five. Freshman righty Jason Cameron (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) notched his first save, pitching the final three frames while scattering four hits and one run. He walked one and fanned four.

Pioneers Get Squeezed Out of Win by No. 2 Johns Hopkins, 4-3

LAKELAND, FL (March 18) – Sophomore Rob Sanzillo squeezed home senior Mike Spiciarich in the top of the ninth inning to lift Johns Hopkins, the No. 2 team in Divisioin III, to a 4-3 victory William Paterson on Friday as part of the Clearwater (FL) Invitational. Spiciarich led off the ninth with a double and after being sacrificed to third came across on Sanzillo’s squeeze bunt to help the Blue Jays improve to 6-1. William Paterson dropped to 3-4.

After a two-out solo home run by senior Mike Durgala gave Johns Hopkins a 3-2 lead in the top of the eighth, the Pioneers responded with a two-out run of their own. Senior pinch-hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) singled home sophomore outfielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan), who walked three times and scored all three of his team’s runs, to make the score 3-3.

Senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) blooped a RBI double in the first and Gelalia scored on a two-out error – one of four the Blue Jays committed – in the sixth to account for the rest of William Paterson’s offense. The Pioneers managed only five hits, with sophomore infielder Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) going 3-for-4.

Senior Jake Pravkewitz (Manasquan, NJ/Kinnelon) picked up the loss and fell to 0-1 after allowing two hits and two runs over the final two innings despite striking out four. Fellow senior Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) started and got the no-decision for the Pioneers, going seven innings while allowing five hits and two runs (one earned).

Junior Andrew Bail pitched the eighth inning to earn the win, while senior Ryan McConnell threw a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save.

William Paterson concludes its Sunshine State trip Saturday, March 19, with a 9 a.m. game against Suffolk (MA) at Miller Huggins Field in St. Petersburg, FL.

Santana Spells Relief as Pioneers End Florida Trip by Beating Suffolk (MA), 12-5

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 19) – Sophomore pitcher Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) came on in relief and threw six shutout innings, allowing only three hits while striking out seven, as William Paterson knocked off Suffolk (MA), 12-5, on Saturday morning.

Santana improved to 1-0 as the Pioneers ended their trip to the Clearwater Invitational with a 4-4 record on the season.

Down 5-2 in the seventh inning, the Pioneers’ bats came alive as they rallied to score four runs in the frame, five in the eighth and one in the ninth to come away with the victory.

Senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) led the offense going 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored. Senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph’s of Montvale) also went 3-for-5 with three RBI while junior outfielder Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) finished 2-for-5 with two RBI. Sophomore infielder Ryan Lenihan (Old Tappan, NJ/Northern Valley at Old Tappan) was 1-for-2 with two runs scored.

William Paterson returns to action with their first game at newly renovated Wightman on Friday, March 25, against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at 1 p.m.

Winter (HR, 3 RBI) Leads Hitting Heroics as Pioneers down Union (NY), 14-8

WAYNE, NJ (March 30) – Senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph’s of Montvale) slugged his first home run of the season and finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored as William Paterson down Union (NY), 14-8, on Wednesday afternoon.

The Pioneers (5-4) blew the game open with a seven run sixth inning as Winter and sophomore shortstop Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) each belted a two-run single and senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) cracked a two-run home run to help William Paterson win its first game at brand new Wightman Baseball Park.

Rivera went 2-for-6 with two RBI as the Pioneers had 16 hits on the afternoon, including at least one by each starter, and scored in each of the final five innings.

The Dutchmen (2-7) scored three runs in the top of the sixth to take a 4-2 lead when junior second baseman Ben Brown hit a two-run double and junior first baseman Jeff Viamari had an RBI single. Brown finished 3- for-4 with three RBI and Viamari went 3-for-5 with two RBI.

Sophomore pitcher Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) came on in relief to record the win despite giving up two runs on three hits in one inning. Santana relieved senior pitcher Dan Corrado (Dumont, NJ/Dumont), who pitched five innings, giving up two runs on four hits while walking three and striking out four.

Freshman pitcher Kevin McCormick took the loss for Union by giving up seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits, striking out two and walking three in 5.2 innings.

The Pioneers return to action on Thursday, March 31, at home for their first New Jersey Athletic Conference game against Kean at 3 p.m.

Debut of Wightman Baseball Park Delivers a Perfect Setting for Pioneers

WAYNE, NJ (March 30) - The setting was just as Jeff Albies had hoped: a sun-kissed sky, vociferous fans behind home plate and, of course, a win in the debut of the new and improved Wightman Baseball Park.

Playing their first game in their new digs, William Paterson scored 14 runs over the final five frames to record a 14-8 victory over non-conference foe Union (NY). In all, a perfect way to christen a new era in Pioneer baseball.

"It was a thrill," said Albies, the Hall of Fame coach who is in his 31st season. "Everybody loved it. The kids were excited, I think even Union was excited.

"It was beautiful, our kids played well, a lot of the alumni came back and we won," Albies continued. "I was really happy with everything."

So were his players, who seemed to feed off the atmosphere at their new . When the Pioneers pushed across even runs in the home half of the sixth inning and took control of the game, including a two-run home run by senior catcher Anthony Mazzo that drew large applause from the crowd of 130. It was the type of ballpark buzz Albies hoped would come even when Wightman Baseball Park was in its planning stages -- and the type his players are reveling in.

"It's great, the atmosphere was great," said junior outfielder Pete Zaccheria, who finished 2-for-4. "I think we had more fans here than we did at any of our games last year. I think this is a great atmosphere. It makes you want to play harder, if anything."

Zeffiro Keeps Pioneers Bats Quiet as Kean Takes NJAC Opener, 8- 1

WAYNE, NJ (March 31) – Sophomore starter Daniel Zeffiro allowed just five hits and one earned run while striking out nine in a complete-game effort as Kean recorded an 8-1 victory over William Paterson in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opener for both schools.

With the win, Kean extended its winning streak to eight and improved to 12-3 overall and 1-0 in the NJAC, while the Pioneers fell to 5-5 and 0-1 in conference play.

Junior outfielder Justin Nathanson went 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored to lead the Cougars’ offensive attack.

The Cougars were the first to score as they loaded the bases with no outs in the second innings on singles by Justin Nathanson and Kevin Wright and a fielder’s choice bunt by Felix Urena. Shortstop Perry Schatzow then drove in the first run with an opposite field single to right and the Cougars scored their second run when Lee Moskowitz grounded into a .

William Paterson answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the innings when Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) delivered a two-out double to drive in Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro), who led off the inning with an infield single. Mazzo led the Pioneers by going 2-for-4.

In the top of the sixth, the Cougars extended their lead to 5-1, scoring three runs on three hits with the help of one error. Francisco Romero started the rally with a lead off bloop single to right, Aaron Richard followed by reaching on an error that put runners on first and third with no outs. Nathanson then stepped to the plate and drove the first pitch into right centerfield for a triple that plated two runs. One batter later, Urena drove in Nathanson with a single past the drawn in infield for the third run of the inning.

Senior Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) dropped to 0-2 for the Pioneers after allowing eight hits and five runs (three earned) over six innings. He walked three and fanned two.

William Paterson returns to action on Friday, April 1, when it hosts Ramapo in NJAC play at 3 p.m. at Wightman Baseball Park. Kean plays the same day and time at NJAC rival Montclair State.

Gelalia's Two-Run Single Breaks Tie, Lifts Pioneers to 7-4 Win over Ramapo WAYNE, NJ (April 1) – Sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia’s (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) two-run single snapped a 4-4 tie in the sixth as William Paterson rallied past Ramapo, 6-4, in New Jersey Athletic Conference action Friday afternoon at Wightman Baseball Park.

Sophomores Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) and Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) each tossed two scoreless innings of relief to enable the Pioneers (6-5, 1-1 NJAC) to keep the Roadrunners (8-5) at bay. Santana improved to 3-0 after scattering two hits and striking out three in his stint, while Cowan wiggled out of jams in the eighth and ninth to earn his first save.

Ramapo took a 4-3 lead in the top of the fifth on a run-scoring single by senior second baseman Mike Mordeci. Senior right fielder Doug Aday helped Ramapo score its first three runs with an RBI single in the first, a sacrifice fly in the third and a run scored after Mordeci’s hit.

The Pioneers then rallied in the sixth, starting when freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) reached on an error. He eventually scored the second of his two runs on a single by senior second baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison), which tied the game at 4- all. The two-run single by Gelalia, who went 3-for-5 with two RBI, put William Paterson ahead to stay.

The Pioneers scored an insurance run in the seventh when junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood), who went 2-for-4, singled and advanced to second on an error before scoring on another Ramapo miscue. The Roadrunners made four errors in the game and allowed only two earned runs.

Sophomore right-hander Dave Cahoon dropped to 2-1 after allowing nine hits and six runs (two earned) over 5.2 innings. William Paterson starter Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon), a senior right-hander allowed nine hits and four runs (all earned) while fanning six and taking the no-decision.

William Paterson returns to action Sunday, April 3, when it hosts Keystone in a non-conference game at Wightman Baseball Park beginning at 1 p.m.

Slugging Third Baseman Cacciola Named NJAC Rookie of the Week

PITMAN, NJ (April 4) – Freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) was cited as the New Jersey Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week on Monday after helping William Paterson to a 2-1 record last week.

Cacciola hit .400 for the week with a triple, two RBI and four runs scored for the Pioneers. He opened the week by going 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored in a 14-8 win over Union (NY). In the first NJAC game of his career, he smacked an RBI double against Kean, and he finished the week by scoring two runs in a 7-4 victory over Ramapo.

Pastore Spins Six Strong Innings in 12-1 Win over Wilmington (DE)

WILMINGTON, DE (April 5) – Junior right-hander Anthony Pastore (Union, NJ/St. Peter's Prep) spun six innings of two-hit, one-run ball to lead William Paterson to a 12-1 victory over Wilmington (DE) on Tuesday afternoon. Pastore improved to 1-1 while walking two and fanning three for the Pioneers (7-5), who won their second straight. Senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) finished 3- for-5 with three RBI to lead a 12-hit attack.

William Paterson scored five times in the sixth to break the game open. Freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic), who went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored, slammed a double to start the inning. Junior outfielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) and sophomore outfielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) sandwiched RBI doubles around a run-scoring hit by senior second baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison) and Winter lashed a two-run single to cap the scoring in that frame.

The Pioneers also scored three runs in the fourth as Cacciola drilled an RBI double, Banos lofted a sacrifice fly and junior first baseman Mike Roman (Trenton, NJ/Northern Burlington) knocked an RBI single.

Zaccheria went 2-for-5 with three runs scored and Banos drove in two runs for William Paterson, which returns to action Wednesday, April 6, for a 3:30 p.m. non-conference game at Farmingdale State.

Mazzo's Hammers Pair of Home Runs to Power 9-7 Win at Farmingdale State

FARMINGDALE, NY (April 6) – Senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) enjoyed the first multi-home run game of his career, slugging solo shots in the fourth and fifth innings, as William Paterson defeated Farmingdale State, 9-7, in non-conference action Wednesday.

Mazzo finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI for the Pioneers (8-5), who won their third straight, and now has a career-high six home runs.

With the game scoreless entering the fourth, Mazzo and freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) belted back-to-back solo blasts to give the Pioneers a 2-0 lead. Senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) drilled an RBI double and senior second baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison) added a run-scoring single to make it 4-0.

Another Mazzo solo home run, this one in the fifth, made it 5-0. Meanwhile, junior right-hander Bill Ziegenbalg (West Milford, NJ/West Milford) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before the Rams touched him up for two hits and three runs to pull within 5-3.

However, the Pioneers put up four more runs in the seventh, the big blow coming on a two-run double by Cacciola, who finished 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and two RBI. Winter laced an RBI single and Banos added a sacrifice fly in the frame.

Winter finished 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI, while junior outfielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) had two hits and scored two runs and Banos delivered two RBI.

Ziegenbalg improved to 1-1 and finished with a line of 5.0 innings pitched, two hits and three runs (all earned) allowed with four walks and a career-high eight strikeouts. Sophomore Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) was the fourth and final William Paterson pitcher and notched his second save after striking out the side in the ninth.

William Paterson returns to action Friday, April 8, with a 3:30 p.m. game at New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Kean.

Pioneers Kept in Check by Kean, Suffer 6-2 Loss to NJAC Rivals

WAYNE, NJ (April 8) - Kean University starter Daniel Zeffiro allowed just six hits and struck out five in a complete-game, 6-2 victory over William Paterson University in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action on Friday afternoon.

With the win, Kean improved to 16-4 overall and 3-1 in the NJAC, while the Pioneers fell to 8-6 and 1-2 in conference play.

The Cougars were the first to score as Kean jumped on Pioneer senior starter Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon) in the bottom of the first scoring four runs on five hits. Aaron Richard drove in the first run with a groundout to plate Joe D'Andrea who led off with a single. Two batters later Justin Nathanson singled to score Francisco Romero and then Perry Schatzow followed with opposite field single to drive in the final two runs.

In the top of the second, William Paterson answered with their first run of the game when the Pioneers strung together three hits to cut the score to 4-1. Junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) started the rally with a bloop single to center and junior outfielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) followed with a single off the hand of Zeffiro. Then with two-outs designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) lined a clean single to center to drive in Rader.

Kean added to its lead in the fifth when with one out Kevin Wright laced a ball off third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) hand and into foul territory. The ball caromed so far into foul ground that Wright was able to stretch it into a double and Cacciola had to leave the game due to the injury. Freshman Keith Edgar then drove in Wright with a triple into the left-center gap to give the Cougars a 5-1 lead.

In the top of the seventh, the Pioneers struck for their second run of the game when Winter delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Rader, who led off the inning with a double down the right-field line. Rader finished 2-for-4 and scored two runs, while Winter drove in both Pioneer runs. Also, Zaccheria was 2-for-4 in the contest.

Kean added an unearned insurance run in the eighth when Romero drove in Schatzow with a groundout.

With the win Zeffiro improved to 5-0 and defeated the Pioneers for the second time in just over a week. Pravkewitz (0-2) suffered the loss as he allowed five runs (two earned) and gave up 12 hits in five innings of work.

Pioneers Keep it Close, but Suffer 3-1, 8-7 Sweep vs. No. 1 Rowan

GLASSBORO, NJ (April 9) – William Paterson dropped a to New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Rowan on Saturday afternoon by scores of 3-1 and 8-7. With the losses the Pioneers are now 8-8 (1-4 NJAC). Here are the highlights:

GAME ONE The Pioneers jumped out to a quick 1-0 in the top of the first inning when senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) ripped an RBI single to drive in senior third baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison). Banos finished the game 2-for-4 with a run scored while Mazzo was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Senior righty Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) suffered the loss for William Paterson, dropping his record to 0-3. Sweeney gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits in seven innings while also striking out five and walking none.

Rowan put up two runs in the third inning and one run in the fourth to take the victory.

GAME TWO

The Pioneers were down 6-0 after two innings but crawled back to cut the lead to 6-5 in the top of the eighth before Rowan tacked on two more runs to make the score 8-5. William Paterson cut the gap to 8-7 in the ninth but could not tie the game.

The Pioneers got on the board in the fifth inning on an RBI single from Banos to score senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph’s of Montvale). An RBI single from sophomore outfielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Northern Valley at Old Tappan) scored freshman infielder Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) to give the Pioneers their second run. Gelalia finished 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored while Limone was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

In the sixth inning Mazzo doubled and scored when junior first baseman Mike Roman (Trenton, NJ/Northern Burlington) doubled to center field. In the eighth, junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) came through with a pinch-hit two-run double to cut the lead to one. Roman went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

In the ninth inning, sophomore outfielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) drilled a one-out, two- run home run to make the score 8-7, but the next two Pioneer hitters were retired to end the game.

Senior Dan Corrado (Dumont, NJ/Dumont) took the loss giving up six runs on seven hits while striking out two and walking two in 1.1 innings. The loss drops his record to 1-1.

William Paterson returns to action on Wednesday, April 13, against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at 3 p.m.

Bullpen Provides Boost as Pioneers Post 4-2 Victory over RPI

WAYNE, NJ (April 13) – Freshman right-hander Jason Cameron (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) tossed 3.2 hitless and scoreless innings of relief as William Paterson received 6.2 innings of scoreless relief Wednesday in its 4-2 victory over Rensselaar Polytechnic Institute in non-conference action at Wightman Baseball Park.

Cameron picked up his first college win, striking out five and walking three, as the Pioneers (9-8) snapped a three-game losing streak despite mustering only five hits. Sophomore right-hander Joe Grawehr (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany Hills) worked out of bases-loaded predicaments in each of the final two innings to earn his first save as the Red Hawks, who committed four errors, dropped to 11-8.

William Paterson enjoyed a four-run outburst in the home half of the second. Sophomores Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) and Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) each cracked run- scoring singles to highlight the frame, while junior Mike Roman (Trenton, NJ/Northern Burlington) lofted a sacrifice fly. RPI responded with two runs in the next frame when junior third baseman Joe Ihnatolya and senior first baseman Dan Quinn ach roped RBI singles to pull their team within 4-2.

The Red Hawks loaded the bases in the eighth with none out, but Grawehr induced a pop-up and a double play to thwart their threat.

Pignatello went belted two of the Pioneers’ five hits, while freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) had an RBI and made a highlight-reel diving stop. Also for William Paterson, junior lefty Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) tossed a scoreless seventh inning.

Ihnatolya and junior outfielder Michael Passante each had two hits for the Red Hawks, who managed eight hits. Freshman southpaw Joe Zongol took the loss, falling to 3-1 after allowing three hits and four runs (one earned) in 2.0 innings of work.

William Paterson returns to action Thursday, April 14, when it hosts New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Rutgers-Newark at 3:30 p.m. RPI plays again Friday, April 15, when it travels to Liberty League rival Union (NY) for a noon doubleheader.

Sweeney Spins Eight Strong Innings as Pioneers Thwart Rutgers- Newark, 3-1

WAYNE, NJ (April 14) - Senior righty Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter's Prep) tossed 8.0 innings of five-hit, one-run ball and recorded his first victory as William Paterson thwarted Rutgers-Newark, 3-1, Thursday in New Jersey Athletic Conference action at Wightman Baseball Park.

Sweeney improved to 1-3 after striking out three and walking one before being relieved by sophomore Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic), who earned his third save by retiring all three hitters he faced after Sweeney allowed a leadoff single to Rutgers-Newark senior third baseman Rob Eberhard.

Junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) and sophomore second baseman Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) each went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Pioneers (10-8, 2-4 NJAC), who won their second straight while snapping a three-game losing skid in conference play.

Rutgers-Newark (11-11-2, 4-4 NJAC) struck in the top of the first when junior shortstop David Sica lofted a sacrifice fly to score freshman center fielder Kyle Long.

William Paterson responded with two in the home half of the first when sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) smoked a run-scoring double and Rader bounded an RBI single through the infield. The Pioneers added an insurance run in the sixth when Rivera delivered an RBI hit. The combination of Rivera, freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) and Rader turned three double plays on the day.

Junior right-hander Travis Bilak took the loss for the Scarlet Raiders, dipping to 3-2 after allowing seven hits and three runs (all earned) while walking five and fanning four.

William Paterson returns to action Saturday, April 16, when it hosts NJAC rival and No. 14-ranked The College of New Jersey for a noon doubleheader.

Pioneers Drop NJAC Doubleheader to No. 14 The College of NJ, 7- 5 and 8-7

WAYNE, NJ (April 16) – Sophomore catcher Gerard Haran homered and drove home five runs in Game One, while junior shortstop Mike Bruschini delivered three RBI in the nightcap as No. 14 The College of New Jersey swept William Paterson, 7-5 and 8-3, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader Saturday at Wightman Baseball Park.

TCNJ improved to 22-8 and 6-3 in the NJAC, while William Paterson dipped to 10-10 overall and 2-6 in conference play.

Here are the highlights:

GAME ONE

Haran had a hand in all seven of TCNJ’s runs, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and five RBI, including a three-run home run, his seventh of the season, that broke a 4-4 tie in the top of the ninth. The Lions put the first two runners of the inning on base courtesy of William Paterson errors before Haran blasted an offering from sophomore reliever Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) an estimated 380 feet over the left- field fence.

The Pioneers sent the potential game-winning run to the plate in the ninth after senior pinch-hitter Dwayne Dowell (Jersey City, NJ/Lincoln) poked an RBI single to make the score 7-5. However, freshman reliever Brad Kittle induced a ground ball to end the game and improve his record to 4-0 despite allowing five hits and two runs in 2.0 innings.

Haran’s home run thwarted a methodical comeback by William Paterson, as the Pioneers forged a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI single by sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan). After run-scoring single by senior third baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison) gave the Pioneers their first hit in the third and pulled them within 4-1, seniors Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) and Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) slugged solo blasts in the fifth and sixth innings, respectively, to make the score 4-3. Winter finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

The Lions jumped out to a 4-0 lead through two-and-a-half innings, scoring two runs in the first and third innings. Haran laced an RBI single in the first and drilled a run-scoring double in the third.

Sophomore right-hander Mike Irwin (North Haledon, NJ/Manchester Regional) was the hard-luck loser, falling to 0-1 after allowing two unearned runs in the ninth. He was one of three relievers the Pioneers used after sophomore Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) took the no-decision. Santana scattered seven hits and four runs (three earned) in 5-2 innings.

Junior right fielder Chris Wilson was 2-for-4 with three runs scored for TCNJ. Junior righty Joe D’Alessandro went seven innings and got the no-decision, scattering three hits and three runs while walking three and fanning eight.

GAME TWO

TCNJ scored seven unanswered runs after trailing 2-0, including a five-run outburst in the fourth as it sent 11 batters to the dish. Bruschini ripped a two-run double and junior third baseman Rich Kropp added a two- run single after sophomore first baseman Blake Bullis smoked a solo home run, his seventh, to lead off the frame and put the Lions ahead to stay, 3-2.

After Mazzo roped an RBI double and junior left fielder Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) contributed an RBI single in the first, TCNJ responded with two runs in the top of the second. Bruschini brought home one run with a groundout and junior center fielder Charles Iacono slapped an RBI single to knot the game at 2-2. Iacono went 2-for-3 and scored a run and sophomore designated hitter Tom Grohs crossed the plate twice for the Lions. Senior righty Vincent Petrillo improved to 6-1 after allowing three hits and three runs over 5.2 innings. He walked six and struck out three.

Mazzo went 2-for-4 and scored two runs for the Pioneers, while Muzikar was 2-for-3. Senior Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon) fell to 0-3 and was chased after 3.0-plus innings, allowing three hits and four runs (two earned).

William Paterson plays again Sunday, April 17, when it hosts non-conference foe Franklin & Marshall at 2 p.m. at Wightman Baseball Park. TCNJ resumes action Monday, April 18, when it hosts Gwynedd-Mercy for a non-conference contest at 3:30 p.m.

F&M Uses Seventh-Inning Rally to Overcome Pioneers, 9-5

WAYNE, NJ (April 17) - Senior designated hitter Scott Haft went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and five RBI, including a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning, as Franklin & Marshall defeated William Paterson, 9-5, in non-conference action Sunday at Wightman Baseball Park.

Haft also hammered a bases-clearing double with two outs in the seventh, highlighting a five-run frame for the Diplomats (16-12), who won their eighth straight.

Senior designated hitter Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) went 1-for-2 with three walks and a two-run double in the fifth, when the Pioneers (10-11) rallied for three runs and took a short-lived 3-2 lead. William Paterson left 10 runners on base, compared to three for F&M.

Haft put F&M ahead to stay with a mammoth two-run blast to right off Pioneer junior right-hander Anthony Pastore (Union, NJ/St. Peter's Prep) after junior third baseman Gary Kruger drew a one-out walk. Kruger also drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh and scored two runs, as did freshman left fielder Rich Gallugi.

William Paterson mounted all of its offense in the fifth, highlighted by Mazzo's two-run double. The next batter, junior catcher Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial), also poked an RBI double to make the score 3-2 and chase F&M senior southpaw Todd Cagwin, who allowed four hits and three runs (two earned) while walking five and fanning a season-high three.

Freshman southpaw Stephen Wurster earned his first victory after allowing only one hit over 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

Pastore took the loss for the Pioneers, dropping to 1-1 after allowing five hits, seven runs (all earned) and five walks while striking out two.

William Paterson returns to action Tuesday, April 19, when it hosts non-conference opponent Keystone (PA) for a 3 p.m. contest.

Ninth-Inning Rally Goes for Naught as Pioneers Bow to Keystone, 8-5 WAYNE, NJ (April 19) – Senior center fielder Scott Grimes went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored as Keystone knocked off William Paterson, 8-5, in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon.

The Pioneers (10-12) had the potential winning run at the plate in the ninth inning, but the Giants (20-7) got out of the jam.

Junior righty Jeremy Pierson picked up the win for Keystone, tossing eight innings while allowing two runs and five hits. He also struck out four and walked two.

William Paterson rallied in the ninth on back-to-back solo home runs by senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) and senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph Regional). A sacrifice fly by junior left fielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) cut the deficit to 8-5 but the Pioneers couldn’t convert with the bases loaded.

The Giants struck in the first inning on a two-run home run by junior first baseman David Adamchick, who finished the game 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored.. However, he Pioneers came back in their half of the first when sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) tripled and later scored to cut the lead to 2-1.

Keystone picked up three runs in the fourth inning and led 6-1 as Grimes and junior shortstop Andy Yencho, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI, struck RBI singles. The Giants put up two more runs in the fifth inning, with the big hit coming when Grimes doubled to left center field.

The Pioneers cut the lead to 8-2 in the fifth when sophomore center fielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) tripled and later scored. Pignatello also made a brilliant up against the wall to end the fifth inning.

Freshman Jason Cameron (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) fell to 1-1 for William Paterson, giving up three runs on two hits while striking out three and walking six in three innings.

William Paterson returns to action Wednesday, April 20, with a non-conference game against Manhattanville at 4 p.m. Keystone plays again the same day with an away doubleheader against conference rival Keuka at 2 p.m.

Pioneers Make Things Interesting Late in 9-8 Loss to Manhattanville

WAYNE, NJ (April 20) – Freshman catcher Jeff Dunn went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run, two runs scored and five RBI as Manhattanville knocked off William Paterson, 9-8, in non-conference action on Wednesday. The Pioneers scored six runs in the eighth to cut the lead to one, but couldn’t plate the potential tying run in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Entering the eighth inning down 9-2, the Pioneers (10-13) got a two-run single from sophomore second baseman Mike Rivera (Jersey City, NJ/Hudson Catholic) to pull within 9-4. Rivera scored on a wild pitch and senior pinch-hitter Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison) belted a three-run home run, the first of his career, to left-center field to narrow the gap to 9-8.

The Pioneers had two runners on with two outs when the Valiants (16-9) brought in senior righty Alberto Bocus, who slammed the door and got out of the inning. Bocus also retired the Pioneers in the ninth when they had a runner on third base with two outs. The Valiants scored first in the top of the first inning on an RBI single by junior first baseman Ted Rydesky. Dunn came up in the fourth inning and cracked a three-run shot to put Manhattanville up 4-0.

In the fifth inning, the Valiants scored five more runs, highlighted by RBI triple from senior right fielder Joe Previti and a two-run double by Dunn. The other run came across on an error.

The Pioneers got on the board in the seventh inning when Rivera tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) and senior first baseman Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) cracked a solo home run.

Rivera went 2-for-6 with a triple, two RBI and two runs scored while Gelalia finished 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored. Mazzo was 1-for-1 with a solo home run and four walks. Freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) went 2-for-3 with a run scored and junior left fielder Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) was 2-for-5 with a double. The Pioneers had 15 hits, but left 13 runners on base.

For the Valiants, Previti was 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored and junior left fielder Anthony Annunziata went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Freshman Frank Albano picked up the first win of his career, tossing 7.2 innings and allowing four runs on 11 hits. He also struck out five and walked five. Bocus picked up his first save of the season, pitching 1.1 scoreless innings.

Junior righty Bill Ziegenbalg (West Milford, NJ/West Milford) suffered the loss for the Pioneers, giving up four runs (three earned) on two hits while striking out three and walking four in four innings.

William Paterson returns to action on Thursday, April 21, at home against backyard NJAC rival Montclair State at 3:30 p.m. Manhattanville also plays at home the same day against Western Connecticut at 3:30 p.m.

Zaccheria's Big Day Helps Pioneers End Skid with Montclair State Win

WAYNE, NJ (April 21) – Junior left fielder Pete Zaccheria (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two stolen bases as William Paterson defeated backyard and New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Montclair State, 10-2, Thursday at Wightman Baseball Park.

Senior righty Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) tossed five scoreless innings, scattering seven hits and struck out three, improving his record to 2-3 as the Pioneers (11-13, 3-6 NJAC) snapped a five- game losing skid.

Montclair State fell to 10-16 overall and 4-8 in conference play despite getting a 4-for-5 effort from junior infielder Danny Rodriguez.

The Pioneers got things started in the first, sending 10 batters to the plate in the first. They pushed across their first run on an RBI single by junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood), bringing home second baseman Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison), who hit a one-out double to start William Paterson’s surge. Senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) struck the inning’s big blow when he drilled a bases-clearing double to right field.

William Paterson added two more runs in the third and another four in the fifth. Rader finished 2-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored, senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) was 2-for-3 with an RBI and freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) was 2-for-3 and scored a run. All told, the Pioneers amassed 15 hits.

Senior first baseman Tommy Warth clubbed a two-run home run to right field, his first of the season, to pull the Red Hawks within 10-2. Warth was 2-for-4 with two RBI, while freshman shortstop Kevin Cuozzi. Freshman Tim Stringer dropped to 1-2 for MSU, allowing six hits and six runs in 3.0 innings while walking six.

William Paterson returns to action Friday, April 22, when it travels to NJAC rival Rutgers-Newark for a 3:30 p.m. contest. Montclair State resumes play when it goes to NJAC rival Rowan for a noon doubleheader on Saturday, April 23.

Pioneers Dip to 3-7 in NJAC Play after 7-2 Loss to Rutgers-Newark

NEWARK, NJ (April 22) – Junior shortstop Dave Sica stroked a 3-run homer and junior righthander Stephen Rice scattered six hits in eight innings as Rutgers-Newark downed William Paterson, 7-2, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game in Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

Sica’s arcing shot over the leftfield wall started a 4-run second inning for the Scarlet Raiders, staking Rice to a 6-0 lead. Following the homer, senior designated hitter James Koehler singled and scored on a throwing error on an attempted double play.

Sophomore second baseman John Farmer delivered a 2-run single up the middle with two out in the first to give the Raiders (15-14-2, 6-7 NJAC) an quick lead.

Rice (4-1) struck out two and walked four before giving up just one run before giving way to senior reliever Scott Barchetto in the top of the ninth. Barchetto yielded a double to senior designated hitter Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph’s), who scored on a wild pitch for the final run.

Winter and sophomore rightfielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Northern Valley) each went 2-for-4 for the Pioneers (11-14, 3-7 NJAC).

WPU got on the board in the third when freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) and Gelalia singled before sophomore centerfielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) walked to load the bases. Senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) with an RBI infield single to the left side.

Junior righthander Anthony Pastore (Union, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) got the loss, giving up six runs on six hits while striking out two and walking two in the first inning and a third. Relievers Jake Pravkewitz (Manaplapan, NJ/Kinnelon), Mike Irwin (North Haledon, NJ/Manchester Regional) and Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) combined to limit the Raiders to one run on seven hits the rest of the way. Pravkewitz struck out five, walked one and gave up four hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Pioneers Suffer Pair of Critical NJAC Defeats at Rutgers-Camden

CAMDEN, NJ (April 24) – William Paterson dropped a doubleheader against New Jersey Athletic Conference rival Rutgers-Camden on Sunday at Campbell's FIeld, dropping Game One 11-9 before falling 3-2 in the nightcap.. The Pioneers fell to 11-16 overall and 3-9 in the NJAC and left 22 runners on base despite getting five hits and three runs scored from sophomore outfielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) in the twinbill.

Matt Novella saved both ends of the doubleheader Rutgers-Camden improved to 23-8 and 7-5 in the league. Junior shortstop Brian Jakubowski troked tie-breaking singles in both games for the Scarlet Raptors.

Here are the highlights:

GAME ONE

Rutgers-Camden struck for five runs in the bottom of the first against senior right-hander Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/Bayonne) and ultimately chased him after four innings. Sweeney allowed five hits and seven runs in his stint while walking three and fanning a season-high seven.

Eventually, the Pioneers rallied and scored twice in the second, four in the fifth and once more in the sixth to forge a 7-7 tie. However, Rutgers-Camden scored twice in the home half of the seventh against senior Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon), who fell to 0-4 after scattering two hits and two runs in 1.1 innings of work. Jakubowksi poked a two-run single after sandwiching two walks around a hit batsmen.

The Scarlet Raptors added two unearned runs in the eighth off sophomore Joe Grawehr (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany Hills), before the Pioneers rallied for two of their own and pulled within 11-9 before Novella closed them out with 0.2 innings of scoreless pitching for his seventh save.

Jakubowski went 1-for-3 with two RBI and three runs scored for Rutgers-Camden. Senior left fielder Ed McDonnell and sophomore center fielder Nate Buchter both went 2-for-4 with one run and two RBI. Junior Derek Heritage (improved to 4-1 despite allowing two runs and four hits over 2.2 innings.

For the Pioneers, sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) went 3-for-5 with one run and one RBI, while freshman third baseman Anthony Cacciola (Washington Township, NJ/Bergen Catholic) and senior DH Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale) each went 2-for-5. Cacciola had two runs and two RBI, while Winter collected three RBI.

GAME TWO

In the nightcap, Pioneers' sophomore Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) and Rutgers-Camden sophomore Jason Ronca both made strong starts, with Ronca working 6 2/3 innings of two-hit ball, allowing one earned run and six walks, while fanning six in raising his record to 4-2. Santana worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing six hits, two runs (one earned) and two walks. He struck out three in falling to 3-1.

Freshman Andrew Lihotz turned in a fine relief job for the Raptors, working out of a two-out, two-on jam in the seventh with a and going 1-1/3 innings, allowing three hits and one unearned run. He struck out three.

Novella worked a scoreless inning in the ninth after Gelalia opened the frame with a single off Lihotz, earning his eighth save.

Locked in a 1-1 tie, the Raptors scored a run in the fifth after junior third baseman Tyler Inkster hit a leadoff single. He was forced by freshman second baseman Dean Straga, who advanced on a wild pitch. Jakubowski singled him home.

The Raptors added an insurance run in the seventh inning following a leadoff walk to Straga. He eventually scored on a single by sophomore DH Butch Amato. That run became big after Gelalia opened the ninth with a single and the first batter Novella faced reached on an error, putting runners at the corners with no outs. Senior first baseman Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) plated Gelalia with a groundout, but Novella worked out of the jam with a fly out and a grounder to end the game. Jakubowski and McDonnell each went 2-for-3 for the Raptors, while Gelalia was 2-for-4 with two runs for the Pioneers.

Mazzo Ranks Among Division III Top 30 in Two Offensive Categories

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (April 27) – William Paterson senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) is ranked among the NCAA Division III Top 30 in home runs per game and slugging percentage in games played through April 24.

Mazzo is enjoying a career offensive year and is tied for 12th in home runs per game (0.30) and tied for 30th in slugging percentage (.761). He has already established career highs in average (.380), runs scored (25), hits (35), doubles (8), home runs (9), runs batted in (34), slugging percentage, walks (18) and on-base percentage (.504).

Currently, Mazzo leads the NJAC in home runs per game and slugging percentage, ranks second on-base percentage and tied for third in home runs.

Pioneers Take a Tumble, Dropping a 5-4, 10-Inning Decision to Ramapo

MAHWAH, NJ (April 28) – A two-out error with the bases loaded in the 10th inning enabled Ramapo to deal William Paterson a 5-4 defeat Thursday in New Jersey Athletic Conference action.

The Pioneers (11-17, 3-10 NJAC) saw their losing streak extend to four games as the Roadrunners (15-16, 5-8 NJAC) benefited from a walk and two hit batsmen by Pioneers' sophomore reliever Tim Cowan (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic), who fell to 2-1 on the season, to load the bases. With two outs, an infield error, one of four on the day for the Pioneers, enabled the Roadrunners to push across the winning run.

Junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) cracked an RBI double to put William Paterson up 1-0 in the first. In the fourth, senior catcher Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) scored the second of his two runs after a and freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) banged a two-run double to help the Pioneers take command. Limone finished 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, while Rader was 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI.

However, the Roadrunners rallied with two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings. A two-run double by senior first baseman Doug Meier, who went 3-for-3, in the sixth preceded a seventh inning that saw freshman infielder Nick Sbarra rip an RBI single and score on a single by senior outfielder Aaron Eyler that, after it was misplayed in the Pioneers' outfield, enabled Ramapo to tie the game. Sbarra was 2-for-5 and scored two runs.

Senior right-hander Angel Navarrete picked up the victory for the Roadrunners, tossing 4.1 innings of one- hit, no-run relief. He fanned four without a walk.

Senior right-hander Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon) took the no-decision for the Pioneers despite striking out a career-high nine batters. He lasted seven innings, allowing eight hits and four runs (three earned) while walking only one. Sophomore reliever Mike Irwin (North Haledon, NJ/Manchester Regional) fanned four in 1.2 frames of relief William Paterson returns to action Friday, April 29, for a 3:30 p.m. game against backyard rival Montclair State at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls.

Butler's Big Day Lifts Montclair State to 11-5 NJAC Victory over Pioneers

LITTLE FALLS, NJ (April 29) - Junior left fielder Brian Butler went 4-for-5 with three RBI as Montclair State toppled backyard and New Jersey Athletic Conference rival William Paterson by an 11-5 final Friday at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Senior center fielder Ethan Boyd went 3-for-4 and senior right fielder Matt Benedetti scored two runs and drove home three more for the Red Hawks (13-19, 7-9 NJAC), who banged out 14 hits and had nine different players score a run. Sophomore righty Jairo Mendez improved to 3-8 by allowing just four hits and two runs over five innings of work.

Junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) went 2-for-4 with two RBI and freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) was 2-for-3 with two runs scored for the Pioneers (11-18, 3- 11 NJAC).

Montclair State took control of the game by scoring four times in the second. Butler drilled a two-run single, freshman catcher Mike Hartwick poked an RBI single and junior third baseman Danny Rodriguez lined a run-scoring double in the frame for the Red Hawks. Hartwick was 2-for-2 with two runs scored.

The Pioneers trailed 5-0 before pushing across their first two runs in the top of the fifth when sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) drew a bases-loaded walk and junior first baseman Doug Rader (Milltown, NJ/Spotswood) slapped a run-scoring infield single. However, they could not push across another run despite having the bases loaded with one out.

Montclair State put the game away by scoring three runs in both the seventh and eighth innings.

Senior right-hander Dan Sweeney (Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter's Prep) took the loss for the Pioneers after allowing seven hits and five runs (all earned) in 5.2 innings of work. He also walked three while fanning one. Also for William Paterson, junior left fielder Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) was 2-for-5 and drove home a run.

William Paterson closes out its NJAC schedule Saturday, April 30, with a noon doubleheader against Richard Stockton. Prior to the game, the Pioneers will honor their seven seniors: Sweeney and fellow pitchers Dan Corrado (Dumont, NJ/Dumont) and Jake Pravkewitz (Manalapan, NJ/Kinnelon); catchers Anthony Mazzo (Emerson, NJ/Emerson Boro) and Jeremy Winter (Cliffside Park, NJ/St. Joseph of Montvale); first baseman Dwayne Dowell (Jersey City, NJ/Lincoln); and infielder Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison).

Stockton Takes Two, 10-4 and 3-1, in Pioneers' Final NJAC Games of Year

WAYNE, NJ (May 1) -Senior Dave Hall and junior Mike Downs each spun complete-game victories and Richard Stockton set a school single-season record for wins by sweeping William Paterson, 10-4 and 3-1, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference doubleheader Sunday at Wightman Baseball Park. The Ospreys (18-16, 6-10 NJAC) also earned their first doubleheader sweep of the Pioneers (11-20, 3-13 NJAC). Here are the highlights:

GAME ONE

Stockton established its school record for victories in the opener, as senior center fielder Travis LaFerriere went 3-for-6 and came a home run short of , junior second baseman Ross Karrer finished 3-for-5 with two runs scored and four RBI, including a two-run home run in the seventh inning.

Overall, the Ospreys banged out 15 hits as freshman designated hitter Robert Gornowski went 2-for-4 and drove home two runs, junior catcher Chris Crescenzi was 2-for-5 with three runs scored and senior first baseman Chris Freihaut was 2-for-4 and scored twice.

The Ospreys broke the game open by scoring four times in the sixth. Karrer started the commotion by cracking a two-run double. Junior right fielder Jon Faust lashed an RBI single and junior third baseman Eric Markussen drilled a run-scoring double in the frame as their team took a 6-1 lead. This gave junior right- hander Mike Downs enough offensive support as he improved to 4-4 by notching his fourth complete game. He allowed six hits and four runs (two earned) while walking two and whiffing seven.

Sophomore righty Mike Santana (Paramus, NJ/Paramus) took the loss for the Pioneers, dropping to 3-2 after allowing nine hits and six runs (four earned) over six innings. He walked two and fanned four. Also for William Paterson, junior left fielder Frank Muzikar (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) cracked his first career home run, a solo shot in the ninth, sophomore right fielder Brian Gelalia (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) drove in two runs and sophomore center fielder Rick Pignatello (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) scored two runs.

GAME TWO

Markussen poked a bases-clearing double in the fourth, giving Hall (6-1) more than ample support. Hall notched his sixth complete game by scattering eight hits and one run while walking two and striking out eight. He worked out of a bases-loaded jam with none out in the eighth, inducing a fielder’s choice at the plate for the first out and a double play to close the door on the Pioneers’ best rally.

William Paterson led 1-0 after freshman shortstop Dan Limone (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) came across on a wild pitch. Limone went 2-for-3 while Gelalia and senior infielder Tim Banos (Edison, NJ/Edison) both went 2-for-4.

Offensively for the Ospreys, Markussen went 2-for-4 with three RBI and Freihaut was 2-for-3 with a run scored while getting hit by two pitches.

Junior right-hander Anthony Pastore (Union, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) dropped to 1-3 after allowing five hits and three runs over six innings for the Pioneers. He struck out four while walking three and hitting three batters.

DeMenna, Lindner Named to All-Time NCAA Division III Baseball All-Tournament Team

Past William Paterson baseball greats Mark DeMenna and Brian Lindner were named to the All-Time NCAA Division III Baseball All-Tournament Team, which was selected to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the NCAA Division III College World .

DeMenna, who played in three Series, was selected to the first team while Lindner was picked to the second team. They were two of 10 New Jersey Athletic Conference players who earned spots on the first and second teams, as well as honorable mention. DeMenna and Lindner helped the Pioneers captured the 1996 national championship, the second in school history. A center fielder, DeMenna slugged one of the most famous home runs in William Paterson baseball history, a three-run shot that help the Pioneers defeat California Lutheran in the title game and earned him Most Valuable Player honors in the process. He played on the Pioneers' 1995, 1996 and 1999 teams that appeared in the Series.

Lindner, meanwhile, capped a stellar season with the national championship. The first-team All-American batted .440 with 19 doubles, eight home runs and 79 RBI while performing as half of a double-play combination with William Paterson University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Famer Dan Lauterhahn that turned a Division III-leading 55 twin killings that season. Lindner was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 16th round soon after the national championship win.

Mark DeMenna (1995-96, 1999), First Team, OF* Brian Lindner (1996) - Second Team, SS