JERSEY CITY, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) baseball team came up short in a conference clash on Friday, April 18, falling to Montclair State University by a score of 14-3 at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex.
NJCU's offense was highlighted by strong individual performances from
Dom Yarson (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) and
Enrique Beltra (Monroe, N.J./Ranney). Yarson had a productive afternoon at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a two-run home run, two RBI, and a run scored. His home run came in the second inning after teammate
John Abrahamsen (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Township) was hit by a pitch, launching a shot over the left-center field fence to cut into Montclair's early lead. The home run was his first this season and second of his career. Beltra followed up in the third inning with a solo home run of his own, inching NJCU even closer in the early stages. Beltra finished the day 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored, tallying his second home run of the season.
Chris Rosario (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) recorded the only other hit for NJCU, as the Red Hawks' pitching staff locked down the Knights' offense after the third inning.
On the mound,
Andre Dean (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) made the start for the Gothic Knights. The senior right-hander tossed 4.1 innings, allowing nine runs on eight hits while striking out four. Dean was relieved by a deep bullpen rotation that included
Danny Olear (Cranford, N.J./Cranford),
Ricky Del Rio (Edison, N.J./St. Thomas Aquinas),
Jeffrey Osborne (Spotswood, N.J./Spotswood),
Collin Elam (Ewing, N.J./Ewing),
Will McChesney (Kearny, N.J./Kearny), and
Savior Maxwell (Jersey City, N.J./Snyder). The NJCU bullpen combined for eight total strikeouts. Notably, Osborne and Maxwell did not allow any hits during their appearances, and Elam, Olear, and Maxwell each kept Montclair off the scoreboard during their time on the mound. Del Rio and Elam were also sharp in terms of control, giving up no walks or hit batters.
Montclair State's offense came out aggressive and stayed consistent throughout the contest. The Red Hawks opened the scoring in the top of the first inning with a two-out solo home run. They extended their lead to 4-0 in the second thanks to two hit-by-pitches and a three-run homer by Chris Gonzalo. Gonzalo finished the game with a big line—2-for-4 with four RBI, three runs scored, and the home run that broke the game open early.
After NJCU responded in the second and third innings to make it a 4-3 game, Montclair countered with three runs in the top of the fourth inning. Two base hits and a fielder's choice allowed them to build the lead back up to 7-3. In the fifth, the Red Hawks added two more runs with a double and a single, further stretching their advantage. After a scoreless sixth inning, Montclair continued to pour it on with a four-run seventh inning fueled by four hits, before capping off the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the eighth to make it 14-3.
Montclair saw several standout offensive performances in addition to Gonzalo. Lucas Egenhauser had a perfect 4-for-4 day at the plate, scoring two runs and driving in one. Billy Tigar went 2-for-4, scoring three times and tallying an RBI with a double. Chase Fischer also contributed with a 2-for-5 performance that included a double and three RBI. Marcus Johnson rounded out the Red Hawks' offensive explosion with a 2-for-4 effort, including two runs scored and a solo home run.
On the pitching side, Montclair used two arms. Starter Chris Hastings went the first three innings, allowing three runs on four hits, before being relieved by Colin Bernhard. Bernhard (3-2) earned the win, tossing six shutout innings without allowing a single hit and striking out two.
UP NEXT:
With the loss, NJCU drops to 1-11 in NJAC play and 10-20-1 overall. Montclair State improves to 8-4 in the NJAC and 22-11 on the season. The Gothic Knights will look to bounce back quickly as they hit the road tomorrow, Saturday, April 19, traveling to Ewing, N.J. to take on Stockton University in an NJAC doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with the second game to follow at 2:30 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.
