Luzar powers Chapman to win over Rutgers-Newark

ORANGE, Calif. – Another strong offensive performance, including a 12-hit attack and a four-run sixth inning, secured a 7-2 victory for the Chapman University baseball team over Rutgers-Newark University Saturday night at Hart Park.  Chapman senior 1B Matt Luzar was 4-for-4, including a solo home run in the fourth inning to put the Panthers ahead for good.

Chapman (12-4) took an early two-run lead in the second inning after a double by freshman SS Mike Chairez plated Luzar and junior DH Adam Kordich. Chairez was 2-for-3 with two RBI in the win.

The Scarlet Raiders (1-5) tied the game at 2-2 with single runs in the third and fourth innings with an off-the-wall triple by junior SS Patrick Reitmeyer and a bases-loaded infield single by junior CF Michael DiChenso.

The Panthers regained the lead for good after the homer by Luzar in the fourth inning, which was his team-leading fifth home run of the year.

Chapman’s offense padded its lead with a four-run sixth inning. Junior 3B Bobby Evers’ suicide squeeze scored Luzar, and errant throw allowed a second run to cross the plate. Sophomore RF Charlie Piro’s RBI single and senior CF Ryan Prechtl’s sacrifice fly made the score to 7-2.

All of the offense was in support of a four-hit, eight-strikeout performance by junior RHP Jordan Sigman. The righty improved to 4-1 with seven strong innings. Freshman RHP Brian Rauh recorded two hitless innings in relief with four strikeouts.

The Panthers will host Ithaca College on March 16 at 3 p.m. at Hart Park.

by Lindsay Jones
Sports Information Intern

Boxscores: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/bsb/2009-10/stats/rnu-cu.htm