With one out in the bottom of the ninth, senior outfielder Jordan Snider (Temecula, CA) lifted a shot to the gap in right center, driving in senior outfielder Cory Vane (Simi Valley, CA) for the game-winning run in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Rutgers University-Camden (NJ) on Saturday at The Yard.

The Scarlet Raptors went up early with a one-run first. John Santilli led off with a single through the left side, and Steve Myers walked in the ensuing at bat. Scott Fruits laid down a sacrifice bunt, advancing Santilli and Myers. The lone run of the frame came off of a Greg Hunt sacrifice fly to right field as the junior brought home Santilli.

Rutgers-Camden tacked on another run after Joey Merlino scored during a double play in the third.

Redlands bounced back with two runs of its own in the bottom of the third. Snider walked and then advanced to second on a stolen base. Senior pitcher/infielder Jon Eubanks (Chula Vista, CA) batted in Snider with a double down the leftfield line, bringing the Bulldogs within one. Eubanks stole third with one out and scored due to an erroneous throw by the Scarlet Raptors’ catcher.

The next five innings proved to be a defensive battle as both teams held their opponents’ offenses scoreless. Both teams surrendered a combined seven hits during that period of time.

Vane, who had problems finding a groove offensively in his first few at bats, connected with a pitch leading off the bottom of the ninth. Senior outfielder Matt Goldstein (Lincoln, CA) advanced Vane on a sacrifice bunt, setting up a perfect situation for Snider, who came into the at bat at 1-for-2 with a walk. Snider then saved the day with an RBI knock, sending Vane home.

Freshman infielder Tyger Pederson (Palo Alto, CA) and Snider each contributed two hits, which greatly aided the Maroon and Gray’s cause.

Both pitching staffs offered commendable performances as the two starters went at least six innings. Freshman pitcher Josh Snyder (Englewood, CO) got the ball for the Bulldogs and went 6.2 innings with two strikeouts while giving up just two earned runs. Coming out of the bullpen in relief, senior pitcher Kevin Bissell (Orange, CA) notched his first win of the season, holding the Scarlet Raptors scoreless.

Michael Kondrath sustained his first loss of the year after surrendering the game-winning hit in relief.

Redlands (14-5, 6-0 SCIAC) hosts two teams tomorrow at The Yard. The Bulldogs take on Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) at 11 a.m. before squaring off against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges at 3 p.m.