Rangers Stun Beavers With Three-run Ninth

Box Score
MADISON, N.J. (April 20, 2011) – The Rangers spoiled what would have been a six-hit shutout by City College of New York (6-24) pitcher Henry Loehrke with three runs in their final turn at the plate for a 3-2, walk-off victory at Doc Young field this afternoon.

With Loehrke dealing, Drew (10-20-1) was down to their final two outs in the bottom of the ninth until Peter Tuchol (Ridgewood, N.J./Ridgewood) stepped to the plate. The junior sparked the three-run rally with a triple to over the center fielder's head. The next batter, Justin Mancini (Haskell, N.J./Lakeland Regional) tied the game with one swing of the bat on his first career home run over the left center field wall.

The long ball would force Loehrke out of the game, yielding to reliever Joseph Curto. The reliever struck out the first batter he faced but issued a walk to, Pat Lydon (Cumberland, R.I./Mount St. Charles Academy). With two outs in the frame, Lydon successfully reached second on his second stolen base of the spring. The swiped bag left first base open for Michael Bodden (Toms River, N.J./Monsignor Donovan) who the Beavers chose to intentionally walk.

That set the stage for Matt Kaplon (Palisades Park, N.J./Palisades Park) who made the Beavers pay. The left-handed hitting freshman drove an outside fastball into the left center field gap to score Lydon from second base.

Drew starting pitcher Alex Taylor (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) went all nine innings for the Rangers allowing two runs on six hits while striking out a career-high 11 batters. Tayor improves to 3-2 on the year and helped the Rangers win their fourth-straight game at home.

The Rangers will play in their final home series of the season beginning on Friday against Moravian. First pitch of the doubleheader will be at 1:00 PM with senior day ceremonies beginning at 12:45.