POMONA, N.Y. -- Freshman SS Michael Cruz (Miami) went 5-for-6, junior RF Noah Putney (Glassboro, N.J.) drove in six runs and the Cougars connected for a season-best four home runs in a 20-5 rout of host Dominican at Clover Stadium in the first of a split three-game CACC series.

Caldwell (12-21, 6-12) won its third straight, bolting to a 5-0 lead in the top of the first on a three-run double by Putney, RBI double by freshman DH Christopher Bayo (Miami) and run-scoring single by freshman second baseman Malik Little (Bergenfield, N.J.). The Cougars tacked on seven more in the third with a two-run home run by Little and three-run shot by Putney the big blows. Then in the fourth, senior C Kyle Richards (Sayreville, N.J.) blasted a three-run shot of his own to give Caldwell a 15-3 lead. 

Soph LF Liam Lombardi (Stony Point, N.Y) also launched a three-run home run following a two-run double by Lopez to give the Cougars an even 20 runs on the day, making the pitching effort of freshman righty John Rigas (Lincoln Park, N.J.) a bit easier. Rigas went all the way in the game shortened to seven innings by the 10-run rule, allowing five hits and fanning four for his team-best fourth win.

Richards, Putney and Little had three hits each as the Cougars banged out a season-high 22 in scoring their most runs in a game this year. 

The Cougars and Chargers continute the three-game set at Kiwanis Oval on Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Senior Day at Caldwell.