Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
LYNDHURST, N.J. – The Caldwell College baseball team began its Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference schedule with a pair of losses to Post University, 3-2 and 4-1 Sunday night at the Lyndhurst Recreation Complex. The results give the Cougars an overall record of 1-9, while the Eagles improve to 6-8, 4-0 CACC.

In the first game, Post took a 1-0 with a run in the bottom of the second inning. Then in the top of the fourth, freshman Ryan Rivera (Saddle Brook, NJ/St. Joseph) led off with a walk and scored on a triple by senior Joe O'Donnell (Belleville, NJ/Belleville). O'Donnell later came home on a wild pitch to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead.

The score remained 2-1 until the bottom of the ninth, when the Eagles loaded the bases on a single, a ground-rule double and an intentional walk. Dylan Pastor followed with a single to tie the score at 2-2. Caldwell senior pitcher Steve Valenti (Brooklyn, NY/Xaverian) retired the next two batters on a strikeout and a popup to the catcher. But Marcel Chavez singled to right field, allowing the winning run to score.

Senior right-hander Dan Bartlett (Levittown, NY/Island Trees) started and allowed one run on four hits while striking out seven and walking two in seven innings of work. Don Crook went the distance for Post, giving up five hits and two runs while fanning 12 and walking one.

In Game 2, the Cougars took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second, when a single by senior Phil Ragusa (Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph by the Sea) plated junior Jack Joyce (Bayside, NY/St. Mary's) from third. Junior lefty Joseph Saverino (Bronx, NY/Fordham Prep) kept the Eagles off the scoreboard, pitching six scoreless innings on four hits, five strikeouts and three walks.

Post struck in the bottom of the eighth inning with two out and the bases empty. Two walks and a single loaded the bases, then Brian McKenna hit a two-run single. The Eagles scored a run on a wild pitch and another run on a single from Zach Brecht for a 4-1 lead. Pitcher Matt Cambria retired the Cougars in the ninth for the complete-game victory. Cambria allowed one run on six hits while striking out five and walking two.

Post was unable to host the games on their home field, and the doubleheader was moved to the Lyndhurst complex.

The Cougars host Wilmington University on Tuesday, Mar. 25 in Caldwell's home opener. The first game starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Kiwanis Oval in Caldwell, N.J.