UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Scoring early to support 6.1 scoreless innings from Justin Sinibaldi, Rutgers baseball (18-19) returned to the win column with a 5-0 victory at Penn State (15-21) Sunday at Medlar Field. It was the Scarlet Knights' third shutout of the season and second on the road in four games.
 
"It was a well-played game," head coach Steve Owens said. "We created a lot of scoring opportunities, double-digit hits for the second day in a row. Chris picked up some RBIs and Richie had a good day getting on base. We didn't make any errors defensively. And the bullpen got the job done. The pitchers did a nice job. This was a team win and we needed it. Hopefully we can come back tomorrow and split the series."
 
Making his fourth career start, Sinibaldi retired 13 of the first 14 batters faced and permitted just three hits and one walk to earn his collegiate win. The 6.1 innings marked a new career high.
 
"A big spot for a freshman," Owens said. "He did a really good job, made pitches right from the start. Justin handled himself well and this is great experience for him, he's going to be a weekend starter for us going forward."
 
Brian Fitzpatrick stranded an inherited runner in the seventh and left two in scoring position in the eighth in a five-out stint. Dale Stanavich posted a scoreless ninth.
 
Chris Brito drove in three runs at the plate to increase his team-leading total to 37 RBIs, an average of one per game. He went 2-for-3 with a pair of sacrifice flies. Richie Schiekofer scored three runs in a 3-for-5 performance, while Mike Nyisztor and Kevin Welsh both had two knocks in the 12-hit attack.
 
Defensively, the Scarlet Knights did not commit an error. Ryan Lasko recorded eight putouts in centerfield, including two diving catches to rob hits. RU improved to 13-8 on the road.
 
Kyle Virbitsky took the loss for Penn State with 11 hits and two earned runs allowed in 6.1 innings. The Nittany Lions made four errors.

"An early lead in the beginning of the game was huge for me. I really got comfortable and settled in throwing strikes."

Sinibaldi earned his first collegiate win & Brito is up to 37 RBIs on the season.#RBaseball #TCD pic.twitter.com/9Be8U40Lla

— Rutgers Baseball (@RutgersBaseball) May 16, 2021

 

The series finale is set for Monday at 2 p.m. Watch on Big Ten Network.
 
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter (@RutgersBaseball), Instagram (@rutgersbaseball) and Facebook (/BaseballRU). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.