CAMDEN, N.J. (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | Less than one year after New Jersey City University saw a new all-time hits king anointed, there is company at the top of the mountain. Senior catcher Andrew Niech (Avenel, N.J./Colonia) notched two hits in game two of a doubleheader at Rutgers University-Camden and his two-run double in the eighth inning, the 199th hit of his career, catapulted him into a share of NJCU's all-time career hits mark. But it wasn't enough as NJCU was swept by Rutgers-Camden, 11-1 and 15-3 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference twinbill at Campbell's Field.
 
Niech, in his 145th career game, tallied his 47th and 48th hits of the season and after entering his senior season with 151 hits, tied the all-time program standard of 199 hits set last year by Michael Martucci (Bayonne, N.J./Saint Peter's Prep) in 147 games. Niech, who moved within two RBIs of 100, already owned the all-time program records for doubles (47) and extra base hits (59; two triples 10 home runs).
 
Niech will have a chance to break the all-time record—and notch his 200th hit—when NJCU plays the first of two straight home games at home on Wednesday, April 27.

However, the losses dropped NJCU to 14-19 overall (0-14 NJAC) and after starting the year with a 13-6 ledger, the Gothic Knights have now lost 13 of their last 14 games. With the sweep, Rutgers-Camden is 20-11 (7-7 NJAC).

Game 1: Rutgers University-Camden 11, New Jersey City 1
The Scarlet Raptors scored the first eight runs of the game, including four in the second inning and outhit NJCU, 16-7. In a sloppy defensive effort for both schools, there were a combined 10 errors.
 
Designated hitter Andujar Cedeno was 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBIs and shortstop Chris Jones batted 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs. Five players had multiple hits for RUC, including catcher Jon Theckston and third baseman Ray Taylor, who each batted 2-for-5 with one run and second baseman Brett Tenuto had two hits (2-for-6). Right fielder Doug Carter scored twice.
 
Seven different players had a hit for NJCU. Junior shortstop/third baseman Zach Buchholz (Colonia, N.J./John F. Kennedy Memorial-Iselin) scored the only run in the sixth inning.
 
Andrew Biggs won his first game (1-2), tossing 8.0 superb innings. He allowed one unearned run and five hits with one strikeout and one walk. Freshman right-handed pitcher Elijah Pereira (Jersey City, N.J./Ferris) lost for the second time for NJCU. Only three of the runs he allowed in 5.0 innings were earned.
 
Game 2: Rutgers University-Camden 11, New Jersey City 1
The Scarlet Raptors jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two innings and 12-0 through seven en route to the 15-3 decision. RUC outhit NJCU, 19-9. The Knights committed seven errors in the game and 13 in the doubleheader.
 
The loss spoiled the historical effort for Niech, who was 2-for-4 with the two RBIs. Sophomore left-handed pitcher Mike Ramirez (Old Bridge, N.J./Saint Joseph-Metuchen) made his first start of the season elsewhere than the mound and batted 2-for-4 with one run.
 
Niech broke up the Camden shutout in the eighth. Ramirez doubled after a leadoff walk and Niech's record-tying hit was a double to left field.
 
For Camden, left fielder Joe Brooks was 4-for-5 with three runs (one RBI) and Carter was 3-for-6 with three RBIs and three runs. First baseman Joe Sigismondi scored four runs, batting 2-for-5 and Tenuto scored three times (2-for-5).
 
Also for the hosts, Chris Jones knocked in three runs, batting 2-for-5 (one run) and Theckston was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Center fielder Zach Ellin and pinch hitter Matthew McElhatton each produced two RBIs.
 
Ryan Sullivan won for Camden, improving to 3-0. In 7.2 innings he fanned eight (two walks), allowing two runs and six hits. Freshman Ray Liguori (Beachwood, N.J./Toms River South) was on the shortside of the decision for NJCU (2-3).
 
#NextKnightTime:
In this year's edition of the 'Bayonne Bridge Series', the College of Staten Island will visit Jersey City on Wednesday, April 27 at 3:30 p.m. for a non-conference tilt at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex.