Box Score HOBOKEN, N.J. (April 9, 2014) – Freshman left fielder Mike Di Donato hit the Drew University baseball team's second home run of the season in a 4-2 setback at Stevens Institute of Technology on Wednesday evening in non-conference action.
 
The Rangers (8-12) trailed 2-0 in the top of the fifth when Di Donato hit a long fly ball to left field that was ruled a home run after some deliberation by the umpire crew and the Stevens coaching staff.
 
Sophomore third baseman Mike Klinger tied the game at 2-2 in the sixth with an RBI infield single that scored freshman designated hitter Jonathan Rodrigues, who reached on a hard-hit single through the right side with one out in the inning.
 
In a tight game, the difference came down to something as simple as taking advantage of opportunities, according to Rangers' head coach Brian Hirschberg.
 
"The difference was they executed in the moments they needed to," Hirschberg said. "We need to do a better job the next time we have those kinds of chances. We did swing the bats a little bit better and put some pressure on their defense. Unfortunately, it was a hit or two short from winning the game today."
 
Freshman starting pitcher Michael Manfra allowed two unearned runs in his three innings of work. The rookie exited before the fourth inning after allowing four hits and a walk while striking out five batters.
 
"We got another great pitching performance out of Michael," Hirschberg said of the rookie, who took the no-decision in his second career start. "We had him on a pitch count, but we're excited to see how he can develop for the rest of this season."
 
The Ducks broke the tie in the bottom of the seventh with a three-hit inning. An RBI triple stretched the lead to 4-2, while senior center fielder Dominic Reyes and junior shortstop Steve Kowalski prevented Stevens from scoring another as the Ducks' Brian Hennelly attempted the inside-the-park home run. Reyes fired into Kowalski, who relayed home to nail the runner for the third out.
 
Stevens pitchers Dan McIntyre and Dan Allen got the hold and the save, respectively, after retiring six of the final seven Rangers to close out the victory.
 
Drew looks to end a two-game losing skid when it begins a Landmark Conference series with a doubleheader against The Catholic University of America on Friday at Doc Young Field. The twin bill begins at 1 p.m.