### Scarlet Knights Dominate Buckeyes: A Night to Remember in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio—In a striking display of power and precision, the **Rutgers Scarlet Knights** launched their road trip with a commanding **17-4 victory** over the **Ohio State Buckeyes** at Bill Davis Stadium. This game was more than just a win; it was a statement, one that echoed with the rhythm of bats, an electric atmosphere, and spirited cheers.
#### **A Career Day for Peyton Bonds**
The star of the night was undoubtedly **Peyton Bonds**, who delivered a performance that will be etched in the annals of Rutgers baseball history. With a staggering **4-for-5 batting line**, Bonds belted a home run, racked up **two doubles**, and drove in **six RBIs**—a career-high. Just a triple shy of achieving the elusive cycle, he punctuated his remarkable evening with yet another RBI double in the sixth inning.
> “Peyton was on fire; his hitting was contagious,” said a fellow teammate.
#### **Fast Start for the Scarlet Knights**
The Scarlet Knights wasted no time in establishing their dominance. In the **top of the first inning**, they struck first with a **bases-loaded walk** from **Jack Sweeney**, giving them an early **1-0** lead. An **infield single** from **Ty Doucette** quickly followed, pushing the score to **2-0**.
**Bonds** then showcased his skills in the second inning, hitting a pivotal **two-run double** that stretched the advantage to **4-0**. Although Ohio State made a brief comeback in the third inning with a **two-run single**, they soon found themselves overwhelmed.
#### **Bonds’ Home Run and Defensive Gems**
In the **fourth inning**, Bonds launched a **three-run homer** that sent the Scarlet Knights soaring to a **7-2** advantage. Even when the Buckeyes managed to score, stellar defensive plays—like Doucette’s phenomenal sliding grounder—kept them at bay, stranding the bases loaded.
#### **Innocuous Weather Delay, Unassailable Score**
Even a lightning delay of over an hour couldn’t dim Rutgers’ spirit. When play resumed, an **RBI single** from **Pablo Santos** added another run to the scoreboard, bringing the tally to **8-3**.
The onslaught continued in the sixth inning, where four more runs scored, leaving no doubt about who would walk away victorious. Contributions came from various players: Bonds’ RBI double and an infield single by Sweeney put the Scarlet Knights in a commanding position.
#### **Closing Out with Style**
As the game zipped into the late innings, the Scarlet Knights fortified their lead with Santos’ two-run double, setting up a **14-4** cushion, followed by Doucette’s impressive **three-run homer**—his team-leading ninth of the season.
The **final score** stood at a staggering **17-4**, with **Nolan Peel** stepping up to clinch the game with a commendable nine-out save, allowing just one run while striking out three batters.
#### **Key Takeaways**
– **Ty Doucette** recorded his **20th multi-hit game of the season**, showcasing his consistency.
– **Peyton Bonds** not only achieved a career high with his four hits but reached base in a team-leading **16 straight games**.
– Both **Trevor Cohen** and **Pablo Santos** continued to shine with their respective multi-hit games.
### **Looking Ahead**
As the Scarlet Knights gear up for Game 2 in this exhilarating series against Ohio State, all eyes will be on them to see if they can maintain this momentum. The next encounter is set for **1 p.m. Saturday**, broadcasted live on **Big Ten Plus**.
#### **Join the Excitement!**
Don’t miss the action! **Follow Rutgers Baseball on social media** to stay updated on all the latest news, scores, and highlights:
– [Twitter](http://twitter.com/RutgersBaseball)
– [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/rutgersbaseball/)
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With such a formidable start to their series, the Scarlet Knights are proving that they’re not just contenders but a fierce force to be reckoned with this season.
