MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) baseball team secured a thrilling 10-7 victory over Penn State-Berks (2-8) on Tuesday, March 11, at the Ripken Experience. The win moved the Gothic Knights to 4-1-1 on the season, marking their best start since 2018 when they opened the year with five consecutive wins.

Designated hitter Garrett Allo (Monroe, N.J./East Brunswick Tech) had a career game, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored. His contributions included a double and his first home run of the season, which helped fuel NJCU's early lead. Catcher Enrique Beltra (Monroe, N.J./Ranney) also played a pivotal role, finishing 3-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, and a pair of doubles. Shortstop Arian Lunar (Caracas, Venezuela/Elizabeth) and second baseman Justin Moreno (Brooklyn, N.Y./Trenton Catholic) both added an RBI each, with Lunar also crossing the plate twice and recording a double. In addition, center fielder Jeremy Ricourt (Perth Amboy, N.J./JFK Memorial) continued his strong performance this season, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored, including a career-high two doubles.

On the mound, sophomore Yannid Narvaez (Cartago La Union, Costa Rica/International Christian Academy) (1-0) earned his first win of the season, delivering a solid 5.2 innings. He allowed five hits, gave up four runs, and struck out four batters. Freshman Collin Elam (Ewing, N.J./Ewing), who entered the game in relief, closed things out with a stellar 2.2 innings of work, allowing only two hits and recording five strikeouts. Elam earned the first save of his collegiate career, preserving NJCU's lead and ensuring the victory.

The Gothic Knights wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Ricourt led off the game with a double to left field, and after advancing to third, he scored on a double by Lunar down the right-field line. Allo followed up with a home run to left field, putting NJCU up 3-0 early.

However, Penn State-Berks quickly responded, taking advantage of an error and a walk to load the bases in the bottom of the first. They capitalized on the opportunity with a fielder's choice and a single, taking a 4-3 lead after the first inning. The Nittany Lions extended their lead in the second inning with a double and a home run, pushing their advantage to 6-3.

Despite falling behind, NJCU remained composed and fought back in the third. Allo doubled to left-center, and first baseman Brandon Piacenza (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) was hit by a pitch to set up a scoring opportunity. Beltra delivered a clutch RBI double down the third-base line to bring Allo home, and Piacenza scored on a wild pitch. Beltra then crossed the plate on another wild pitch, tying the game at 6-6.

The game turned in the fourth inning, as Ricourt drew a walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by Allo. Lunar's walk and a bases-loaded walk to Beltra increased NJCU's lead to 8-6. The Gothic Knights' pitching staff settled in after that, holding Penn State-Berks to just one hit from the third inning through the sixth.

In the seventh, with Olear on the mound, Penn State-Berks placed two runners on with hit-by-pitches. Elam replaced and struck out his first batter. Another bit-by-pitch loaded the bases and a single narrowed NJCU's lead to 8-7. However, Elam managed to escape the jam, striking out the final batter of the inning to preserve the lead.

Ricourt continued to provide offense, opening the eighth inning with a double to left field. He advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Lunar and scored on a single by Allo, extending the lead to 9-7. Elam came through with another dominant inning, striking out two batters and keeping Penn State-Berks from scoring.

In the final inning, Beltra doubled to left center, and a sacrifice bunt by Dom Yarson (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) moved him to third. Moreno then hit a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Beltra home for the Gothic Knights' final run of the game, making it 10-7. Elam closed out the game with one final strikeout, securing his save and completing the victory for NJCU.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights close out their time at the Ripken Experience with a doubleheader today, March 12 against Cairn and Lesley at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.