HOBOKEN, N.J. (February 27, 2016) – The Stevens Institute of Technology baseball team dropped a 9-8 decision to William Paterson University Saturday.

The Ducks dropped to 2-2, while WPU won its season opener.

Senior Jayson Yano ignited a two-out rally in the first inning. Yano roped a double to right center, and then swiped third. Junior Zeph Walters hit a ground-rule double to left center, scoring Yano, and then came around on an RBI triple from senior Nick Sieber.

The Ducks added to their lead on a home run to right center from junior Nolan Bennett in the bottom of the fourth. Stevens broke things open in the fifth, tacking five runs on RBI hits from Walters, Sieber and junior P.J. Wiegartner. Sieber's hit was a two-run double. The Ducks were seemingly in control, heading into the top of the seventh.

Eriq Colon led off the top of the seventh for the Pioneers with a solo homer run, and WPU would add three more runs in the inning, capped off with a ribbie single from Rob Eggert. Colon would deliver another blow in the eighth, hitting a two-run homer to right center. Senior Danny McIntyre entered the game with two outs and the bases loaded in the frame, but Houdini'ed out of the jam with a fly out to right.

The Pioneers would complete the comeback in the ninth, scoring three runs on a walk, a single and sacrifice fly.  Stevens threatened in the bottom of the frame, as they loaded the bases with two outs. But the Pioneer pitcher induced a ground ball up the middle and force was made at second to end the game.

Junior Michael Mule', Yano, Walters and Sieber all had two hits in the setback. Yano was excellent on the mound, tossing six innings of shutout ball, striking out four while surrendering only one walk.

Victor Sanchez led William Paterson with three hits, while Bryan Kopko picked up the win in relief, throwing two innings of hitless ball.

Facebook: "Like" Stevens Athletics     
Twitter: @stevensducks
Instagram: @stevensducks