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Jersey Number 1
Matthew Cruz
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Position:
- RHP
- Ht./Wt.:
- 5-11 / 180
- B/T:
- R/R
- Hometown:
- Bellmore, N.Y.
- High School:
- Saint Dominic
- Major:
- Undeclared
CAREER HIGHS
As Reliever
Innings 2.2, vs. Penn State (5/11/25)
Strikeouts 3, twice, last vs. Penn State (5/11/25)
Batters Faced 13, vs. Penn State (5/11/25)
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because of the amazing coaching staff and all the great opportunities I can make at the school."
As Reliever
Innings 2.2, vs. Penn State (5/11/25)
Strikeouts 3, twice, last vs. Penn State (5/11/25)
Batters Faced 13, vs. Penn State (5/11/25)
Why Rutgers? "I chose Rutgers because of the amazing coaching staff and all the great opportunities I can make at the school."
2025 (Freshman)
| ERA | W | L | APP | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | 2B | 3B | HR | BF | BAVG | WP | HBP | BK | SFA | SHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.84 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19.0 | 15 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 87 | .217 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
- Pitched season-high 2.2 innings against Penn State with three strikeouts (5/11)
- Pitched two scoreless in win over Rider with a pair of strikeouts (5/7)
- Threw two scoreless innings in win at UConn with three strikeouts (4/29)
- Struck out a pair in scoreless inning at Nebraska (4/1)
- Closed out win over Hofstra with a scoreless ninth, striking out two (4/1)
- Threw 1.1 scoreless at No. 9 Oregon, striking out one and walking none (3/23)
- Pitched a career-long two scoreless innings at #8 Oregon State, striking out two and allowing no hits or walks (3/18)
- Made career debut with 1.1 scoreless innings against Cal Baptist, striking out two (3/14)
Prior to Rutgers
Played four years of varsity baseball at Saint Dominic and served as team captain final two years … three-time All-League selection … finished career with 90 hits to rank top-5 in school history … hit .441 in senior season, leading Bayhawks to 20-4 record and NSCHSAA Regular Season Championship … named NSCHSAA Offensive Player of the Year… named Second Team All-Long Island by Newsday … played travel baseball for Team Francisco Select … received English Excellence Award at Saint Dominic and was named Student of the Month twice.
Personal
Son of Juan Carlos and Denise Cruz … has a twin sister, Isabela, who plays softball at UConn … major is undecided.
Al Leiter at 2026 First Pitch Dinner for Rutgers Baseball
Tuesday, February 03
Rutgers Athletics Launches the Athletic Excellence Fund
Monday, October 06
2025 Rutgers Baseball Golf Outing
Friday, August 08
Ty Doucette Career Highlights | Rutgers Baseball
Monday, July 14
