UNION, N.J. – The Rangers erased a 4-0 deficit, then held off a late rally to beat Alvernia University by a final of 10-7 on Saturday at Kean University. The win marked victory No. 1 at Drew for Ranger Head Coach John Fugett.

By the Numbers
Drew improved to 1-1 while the Golden Wolves fell to 0-1.
 
Highlights
• The Blue and Green trailed 4-0 and had recorded just one hit over the first four innings before finding their offense with a five-run fifth. Junior transfer Jon Cocchio put the Rangers on the scoreboard when, in his second at-bat as a Ranger, he blasted a three-run homer to left-center to make it a 4-3 game. Then with two outs, junior Anthony Tagliaferro drilled a two-run single through the left side to put Drew in front (5-4) to stay.
• The Rangers put four more runs on the board in the sixth to extend their lead to 9-4. Senior Zach Lipshitz singled in a run before the rest scored on an outfield error and a passed ball.
• Drew set the final score in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by senior Eric DiPietro.
• In the meantime, freshman Grant Purpura (1-0) tossed four innings of relief to earn the victory in his Ranger debut. He allowed two runs while striking our four.
 
Top Performers
• Cocchio finished 2-for-3 with three runs and three RBIs.
• Lipshitz scored twice and finished 2-for-5, as did Tagliaferro, who also doubled.
 
Stat Sheet
The Rangers outhit Alvernia 10-8 and for the second game in a row did not commit an error. Sophomore Jeff Serin started on the hill for Drew and left after three innings due to an early-season pitch count. He gave up two runs over three innings of a no-decision.
 
Up Next
Drew resumes its schedule on Wednesday, when it visits Stevens University in a non-conference match-up starting at 2 p.m.