NEWARK, NJ—Former NJIT pitcher Matt Melody started, but did not figure in the decision in a 12-5 loss for the Newark Bears against the visiting Bridgeport Bluefish in Atlantic League professional action Sunday at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.
Melody, who completed his four-year college career with the Highlanders in May, made his pro debut on Sunday and limited Bridgeport to one run through the first three innings, before allowing the visitors to take a 4-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning on a three-run home run by Bluefish shortstop Rayner Bautista.
The Bears answered Bautista’s homer with two runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth and then claimed a 5-4 lead with two more runs in the bottom of the fifth. By taking the lead, the Bears took Melody, who pitched four innings, off the hook.
However, the visitors exploded for seven runs in the top of the sixth inning against relievers Ryan Bukvich and Danny Santiesteban. Bukvich, a former major leaguer, was tagged with the loss.
Melody’s final pitching line in his pro debut was: 4 innings, 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), a walk and a strikeout.
NJIT coach Brian Callahan was a proud attendee at Sunday’s game, as were about a dozen former Highlander teammates and numerous members of Melody’s family and their friends.
“Matt threw the ball very well,” reported Callahan. “He made one bad pitch and that’s the ball that went for a home run. Otherwise, he looked very good.”
Callahan also said that Bears manager Tim Raines and pitching coach Mike Torrez gave Melody positive feedback following the game.
(Photo courtesy Newark Bears)