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Rutgers Baseball & Softball: Lost weekend

A rough start to the Big Ten season

By rvc73
rvc73

Not a good start.

We may talk about finding diamonds in the rough, but play on the diamond this past weekend for RU was very rough.

With the start of Big Ten play began, Rutgers baseball and softball combined for an 0-6 weekend.

Baseball

After having Friday's TV game postponed because of weather, the Knights squared off in a doubleheader on Saturday against the Spartans.  RU scored first, but MSU clawed back for a 5-2 opener victory. In he nightcap, the Knights kept it close by the Spartans held on for the 5-4 win. Senior R.J. Devish sparked the offense with three hits from the leadoff spot in the order, while junior Mike Carter scored twice on two hits. He picked up four hits in the doubleheader in his first action since the first game of the season. Freshman fotball-player-turned-baseball-player Jawuan Harris added to the offensive production with his third home run of the season and a bases-loaded walk.  Junior Kyle Driscoll (1-3) made the start for RU and struck out five over 4.2 innings, but took the loss, while Senior Howie Brey (1-3) took the opening loss despite turning in another effective outing on the mound with 6.1 innings for RU.

With two one-run games, Rutgers (8-14, 0-3) has played seven one-run contests.

Weekend Results and Upcoming Schedule

3/26/16 at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. L, 5-2
at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. L, 5-4
3/27/16 at Michigan State * East Lansing, Mich. L, 6-5
3/29/16 vs. Monmouth Bainton Field 3:00 p.m. ET
3/30/16 at Monmouth West Long Branch, N.J. 3:00 p.m. ET
4/01/16 vs. Indiana * Bainton Field 3:00 p.m. ET
4/02/16 vs. Indiana * Bainton Field 1:00 p.m. ET
4/03/16 vs. Indiana * Bainton Field 1:00 p.m. ET

Standings Conf. Pct. Overall Pct.
Michigan State 3-0-0 1.000 18-3-0 .857
Nebraska 3-0-0 1.000 16-7-0 .696
Ohio State 2-1-0 .667 14-7-1 .659
Illinois 2-1-0 .667 10-11-0 .476
Iowa 2-1-0 .667 9-12-0 .429
Maryland 1-2-0 .333 11-12=0 .478
Penn State 1-2-0 .333 10-12-0 .455
Northwestern 1-2-0 .333 6-18-0 .250
Michigan 0-0-0 .000 16-5-0 .762
Minnesota 0-0-0 .000 12-9-0 .571
Indiana 0-0-0 .000 12-1-0 .545
Rutgers 0-3-0 .000 8-14-0 .364
Purdue 0-3-0 .000 4-17-0 .190

Softball

In the opener, it was a case of too little, too late.  Overcoming a 6-0 deficit, RU stormed back but fell short.  In the middle game, it was missed opportunities.  Rutgers put runners on base but couldn't capitalize, losing in nine.  The finale on Sunday was over early as the Lions had a 7-0 lead after two innings.  Rutgers falls to 15-19, 0-3 in the B1G.

3/25/16 vs. Penn State * RU Softball Complex L, 12-8
3/26/16 vs. Penn State * RU Softball Complex L, 4-1 (9 inn)
3/27/16 vs. Penn State * RU Softball Complex L, 12-1
4/01/16 at Illinois * Urbana, Ill. 7:00 p.m. ET
4/02/16 at Illinois * Urbana, Ill. 2:00 p.m. ET
4/03/16 at Illinois * Urbana, Ill. 1:00 p.m. ET

And you know we can't help but talk about this

Rutgers needs help on facilities.  Virtually everything not called football needs an upgrade.  Including baseball.

Big Ten teams have been upgrading their ballparks, and most would now be considered "stadiums" because of the permanent look and big time feel they have.  Including Northwestern.  This is the team that, a couple of years ago, their SB Nation blog was calling to be abolished. Now, they have a spiffy new facility in place thanks to - ta da! - a major lead gift of $5 million.

Meanwhile, in Piscataway.....

Ever wonder why we have no TV games at home?