April 29, 2001

Box Score

PITTSBURGH-Pittsburgh could not overcome a strong pitching peformance from Rutgers as it dropped a 6-0 decision to the Scarlet Knights in the teams series finale Sunday afternoon at Trees Field. The Panthers fall to 16-19 overall and 4-14 in the Big East, while the Scarlet Knights improved to 35-13 and 15-8 in conference action.

Rutgers broke open the scoring in the first inning as they plated three runs on just one hit. After leading off the game with a leadoff single, Brian Ciemniecki later scored the Scarlet Knights' first marker on an errant throw by Panther shortstop Bryan Spamer (Harrisburg, Pa./Redland). After loading the bases, Pittsburgh starting hurler T.J. Gornati (Kersey, Pa./St. Mary's) issued two consecutive free passes, allowing Rutgers to score two more runs.

The Scarlet Knights added another run in the second inning as Billy McCarthy singled home Matt Wolski, who earlier reached on a single and advanced to second on the Panthers' third error in two innings.

In the fourth inning, Pittsburgh threatened to score off of Rutgers' starting pitcher Tom Wheeler. After loading the bases with no outs, Chris Papst (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown) grounded into a 4-6-3 double play, which initially allowed Brad Rea (Gibsonia, Pa./North Allegheny) to score and push Darrin Lenhart (Allentown, Pa./William Allen) to third base. However, Rolando Bello (Miami, Fla./Southeastern) was called for interference when he slid into second base, which consequently forced Rea and Lenhart back to second and third base, respectively.

Steve Normane hit his first career home run and Matt Wolski added an RBI-single in the eighth inning, giving the Scarlet Knights the 6-0 advantage.

Lenhart led the Panthers at the plate as he continued his hot hitting streak, going 3-for-4 on the day. For the weekend, the senior went 7-for-9 with two runs and three RBI.

Gornati suffered the loss for Pittsburgh, working only two-thirds of the first inning before giving way to Don Rhoten (Pittsburgh, Pa./Central Catholic). Rhoten pitched the next 6.1 innings, striking out four batters and allowing just two earned runs.

Tom Wheeler notched his fourth win of the year for Rutgers as he pitched seven innings, scattering five hits and striking out three batters.

Pittsburgh resumes action on Tuesday as it hosts Akron at 7 p.m. at Trees Field.