MADISON, N.J. - The Drew University baseball team notched its first win of the season with a commanding 12-8 victory over Saint Elizabeth University in game one of their non-conference doubleheader on Saturday in frigid and at times snowy conditions at FDU-Florham.

Though they went on to lose 2-1 in a classic pitchers' duel against FDU in game two, the Rangers still left with plenty to celebrate.

Now at 1-3 on the year, today's win marks the first of Head Coach Brian Eberly's Drew career. Saint Elizabeth fell to 0-2 while FDU improved to 2-0. 

The Rangers' offense exploded early on versus the Eagles, scoring eight runs from the second through the fourth innings alone. Sophomore infielder Justin Cece got things started for Drew in the second when he singled to left to drive in the game's first run. He crossed home two batters later when freshman outfielder Zahir McNeil drilled a two-run double down the left field line.

Junior catcher K.J. Hallgren (4-for-5) and freshman outfielder Ryan Jones (3-for-4) were game one's offensive MVPs. Hallgren blasted three doubles and scored three runs, while Jones collected three RBIs, capped off by an eighth-inning run-scoring double.

Starting pitcher Tim Jinks also turned in a fine performance for the Rangers, racking up a career-high nine strikeouts over four innings. Freshman Kenny Yonker also worked four innings and was just as impressive, fanning five without walking a batter and earning his first career win. Junior Nick Pellegrino came on to finish the game out with a scoreless ninth.

Pitching was the big story in Drew's game two matchup with FDU. 

Senior Teddy Hoxie was Drew's only pitcher versus the Devils and was excellent over six innings. A couple of FDU doubles spoiled an otherwise perfect effort by Hoxie, who scattered four hits across six innings while also striking out five. 

FDU used three pitchers - Joseph Kastner, Jonathan Rodenhaver and Colby Craig - to hold Drew to three hits over seven innings.

Senior infielder Shane Benson drove in Drew's lone run of the game with a double down the left field line in the fifth.

The Rangers will be back in action next Saturday at 3:30 pm for a non-conference matchup at Stevens.