Baseball Courtesy of William Paterson Athletics

William Paterson Continues Hot Streak as Pioneers Advance to NJAC Championship Series

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Behind a dominant pitching performance by senior Julian Salinas, and a strong offensive showing by the Pioneers at the plate, the sixth-seeded William Paterson baseball team (17-22, 7-11 NJAC) earned its spot in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament championship series after securing a 9-2 upset win over second-seeded No. 13/15 Montclair State (30-9, 14-4 NJAC) in the semifinals April 30.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
  • The Red Hawks struck first with a run in the opening frame to grab an early 1-0 advantage.
  • WP had a pair of runners in scoring position with two outs in the third inning when freshman Matt Caruso delivered a two-RBI single into center to put the Pioneers in front, 2-1.
  • Senior Jordan Brown and sophomore Alex Gomez recorded back-to-back one-out base hits in the fourth. A flyout by senior Dylan Santos advanced Brown to third before junior Devin Daproza drove in two runs with a triple to center. Junior Avery Whitney followed with an RBI single to right to make it a four-run game (5-1). 
  • A solo home run by the Red Hawks in the bottom of the fifth trimmed the deficit to three (5-2).
  • In the sixth, the Pioneers had the bases loaded with two outs when Caruso came through with a timely two-RBI single up the middle, extending the lead to five (7-2).
  • WP loaded the bases in the eighth and a sacrifice bunt by Whitney allowed a run to cross. Caruso then drove in the Pioneers' second run of the frame on a single through the right side to make it 9-2.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
  • Salinas pitched his second consecutive complete game, this time earning the win after allowing just two runs and striking out three batters.
  • The two runs tied a season-low mark for Montclair State at home this season.
  • Caruso finished 4-for-5 with a double and five RBI.
  • Daproza batted 3-for-5 with a triple, two RBI and a career-best four runs scored.
  • Gomez crossed home a season-high four times during his first career three-hit outing.
  • Whitney tallied two hits and a pair of RBI.
  • Senior Jordan Brown recorded a two-hit performance and crossed home once.
  • It was the Pioneers' first win against the Red Hawks at Yogi Berra Stadium since April 30, 2021.

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