RIT Tigers Fall to The College of New Jersey in Season Opener
In a thrilling season opener, the RIT baseball team faced off against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) on Friday afternoon, ultimately succumbing to the Lions with a final score of 13-8. The game, held at the Naimoli Baseball Complex, showcased moments of promise for the Tigers while exposing areas for improvement as they embark on the 2026 season.
Game Overview
The Tigers got off to a decent start, scoring twice in the first inning. A series of walks allowed RIT to load the bases, and they capitalized on two wild pitches to take an early lead. However, TCNJ quickly turned the tide, scoring six runs in the bottom of the second, which ended up being a pivotal moment in the game.
Despite battling back with a four-run rally in the ninth inning, RIT couldn’t close the gap. The Lions’ offensive surge in the second inning set a tone that the Tigers struggled to overcome, marking a challenging start to their season.
Key Moments
The first inning was a spark of hope for the Tigers. After loading the bases through four walks, they took advantage of two wild pitches for runs. This early momentum was brief, as TCNJ struck back hard. The Lions’ six-run second inning featured multiple hits and aggressive base running, helping them acquire a comfortable 7-2 lead that they would not relinquish.
As the game progressed, TCNJ extended their lead with an RBI single in the third inning and continued to apply pressure with another four-run inning in the fifth. This onslaught left RIT with mounting challenges, even as they began to respond in fits and starts.
RIT’s Resilience
RIT’s tenacity shone through during the later stages of the game. Senior Trent Rapp ignited hope with a run scored due to a fielding error in the fifth inning, allowing RIT to inch closer. The Tigers continued to probe for weaknesses in the Lions’ defense, culminating in a significant rally in the ninth inning.
Highlighting this rally was senior Jarin Moses, whose impressive three-run double electrified the RIT bench, alongside an RBI double from graduate student Max Matteucci. This flurry of activity underscored the Tigers’ fighting spirit, as they nearly overturned a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
Standout Performances
Several players made notable contributions in the loss. Moses finished the game with three hits and a staggering four RBIs, underscoring his capability as a crucial player for RIT. Rapp, aside from his run, reached base five times, which included two hits and three walks, significantly contributing to the team’s offensive efforts.
Additionally, senior Jack Rusiecki had a productive day at the plate, tallying three hits and crossing home twice. On the mound, graduate student Ryan Merkov provided solid relief, striking out five batters over three innings, showcasing his skill and determination amidst a challenging outing for the team.
Game Statistics
The Tigers registered a total of nine hits and nine walks throughout the game, illustrating their capacity to generate offensive pressure. However, the inability to convert these opportunities into runs when necessary was a telling factor, leaving RIT to ponder what could have been.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, RIT will attempt to bounce back in their series against TCNJ with a doubleheader slated for Saturday (February 21). The Tigers will aim to build on their late-game rally and refine their strategy as they navigate the early part of their season.
This match serves as a critical reminder of the ups and downs inherent in baseball, and for RIT, the journey has only just begun. Their performance will be closely watched as they seek to rally and establish themselves as a competitive force in the league. With the tenacity displayed in the second half of the game, the Tigers are poised for improvements and the chance to reclaim momentum as they continue their season.
