Photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
The Roadrunners swept a double-header against The College of New Jersey last Saturday, winning the games 3-1 and 8-1, respectively.
The team moved to 20-11 overall and 9-5 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, which is currently good for fourth place in the Conference standings. The Roadrunners are one conference win away from clinching a berth in the NJAC postseason tournament.
“Our goal is to always get in [the tournament],” said head coach Rich Martin. “We’re in a good spot.”
In the first game of the doubleheader, senior Walker Larson earned his sixth win of the year on his fifth complete game of the year, and his fourth in a row.
“His consistency has been just incredible,” said Martin.
Larson has just one start where he let up more than three earned runs, back on March 19 against Eastern Connecticut State.
“He’s a leader by example in every way,” said Martin. “Our success has come from our pitching.”
Larson ended the game letting up eight hits and one run, walking four and striking out eight.
The strong pitching continued in the second game as Tom Portesy threw seven innings of shutout ball, despite letting up five walks.
Portesy let up just three hits and struck out eight while moving his record to 7-0.
The Roadrunners lead the NJAC in ERA at 2.99.
Larson has an ERA of 2.27, while Portesy leads the starters with a 1.69 ERA.
Martin also earned his 600th win on Sunday as the Roadrunners defeated the Baruch Bearcats 3-2.
Down 2-0 since the top of the second inning, the Roadrunners put up three runs in the last inning on three hits and two walks, the second walk ending the game.
Senior Brandon Berger walked on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, bringing home senior Scott Peschiani, then giving Martin a Gatorade shower and a celebratory shaving cream pie to the face for earning his 600th win at Ramapo.
“That means I’m getting old,” joked Martin. “It’s an honor. I have too much fun doing what I do. I’ve had great players and great coaches.”
The 21-11 Roadrunners have five games remaining on the schedule, including four conference games, before the NJAC tournament begins on Tuesday.
The Roadrunners are back in action today at 3:30 p.m. to take on William Paterson.
rmorik@ramapo.edu
