Justin Sinibaldi created optimism for the future during promising junior campaign
On Thursday afternoon, the Rutgers baseball season came to a disappointing end with a 6-4 loss to Michigan State. While the pitching struggled, there were a few bright spots. One of them was Justin Sinibaldi, who continued to show why the future in Piscataway is bright.
In two innings of work, the New Jersey native struck out three batters and did not allow an earned run. While Sinibaldi kept the Spartan bats in check, Rutgers offense came to life and briefly took control of the game. As Sinibaldi did during the regular season, he stepped up when needed most.
During his junior campaign, the talented lefthander posted a career-best 2.64 ERA in 47.2 innings. While splitting time between the rotation and bullpen, Sinibaldi struck out 46 batters and held opponents to a .264 batting average. After struggling with his control in the past, Sinibaldi was a different pitcher.
Justin Sinibaldi picks up a pair of strikeouts as he works a 1-2-3 second inning! pic.twitter.com/C0RtYMUYaD
— Rutgers Baseball (@RutgersBaseball) May 20, 2023
Due to his success, the Bridge-Raritan High School product will be crucial next season. He set career bests in every category, and for the first time in his college career, he posted an ERA under 5.00. With Sinibaldi and Christian Coppoli leading the way in 2024, Rutgers’s pitching will be tough to face.
What an effort by Justin Sinibaldi!!
In his first game in nearly a month, he caps off his fourth scoreless inning with his seventh strikeout of the day!#TCD pic.twitter.com/K5L6q5hyKk
— Rutgers Baseball (@RutgersBaseball) May 14, 2023
While Rutgers fans have a long wait until opening day, the 2024 season already appears promising, with Sinibaldi on the rise.
