JERSEY CITY, N.J. — In a dramatic comeback effort, the New Jersey City University (NJCU) baseball team snapped a nine-game losing streak with a clutch 6-5 victory over New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) rival William Paterson University on Thursday, April 24, at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletics Complex. The Gothic Knights rallied from a four-run deficit, capped by a towering three-run home run from junior
Dom Yarson (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) in the bottom of the eighth inning to seal the win.
William Paterson (18-18, 2-13 NJAC) appeared to be in control for most of the game, out-hitting NJCU (11-23-1, 2-13 NJAC) by a margin of 12 to 11. However, the Gothic Knights made the most of their opportunities late in the contest, especially in the final two innings. Yarson led the offensive charge for NJCU, going deep over the left field fence in the eighth to drive in three runs, finishing the game with three RBI, two runs scored, and a walk.
NJCU first got on the scoreboard in the second inning when sophomore
Brandon Piacenza (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) launched a two-out solo home run to tie the game at 1-1. William Paterson responded quickly with a run in the third and two more in the fourth on a sequence that included a home run, a double, and a single. The Pioneers extended their lead to 5-1 in the sixth with their third home run of the game, seemingly putting the game out of reach.
The tide began to turn in the bottom of the seventh. Yarson drew a one-out walk and advanced to second on a walk to Piacenza. With two outs, both
Shawn Kish (Fords, N.J./Woodbridge) and
Arian Lunar (Caracas, Venezuela/Elizabeth) delivered clutch RBI singles, narrowing the gap to 5-3 and shifting momentum in NJCU's favor.
Relief pitcher
Ricky Del Rio (Edison, N.J./St. Thomas Aquinas) (1-1) entered the game in the top of the eighth and made quick work of the Pioneers, retiring the side in order and striking out one. The Gothic Knights carried that energy into the bottom of the inning.
Garrett Allo (Monroe, N.J./East Brunswick Tech) led off with a single and moved to second on a soft grounder by
Enrique Beltra (Monroe, N.J./Ranney). That set the stage for Yarson, who connected on a pitch and sent it soaring over the left field wall to give NJCU a 6-5 lead. Kish and Lunar followed with back-to-back hits, though the Pioneers were able to limit further damage with a timely strikeout.
In the ninth,
Eriberto Reyes (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) came in to close the game and earned his second save of the season—and the fifth of his collegiate career. Reyes was sharp and efficient, striking out the first batter and handling a hard comebacker to the mound for the second out. Yarson then put the final stamp on the game by securing a routine fly ball in right field, sealing a memorable victory for the Gothic Knights.
On the mound, NJCU starter
Phil Kramer (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) pitched seven solid innings, allowing five earned runs and striking out five. Del Rio earned the win with a clean eighth inning, while Reyes closed out the game in dominant fashion.
Despite their loss, the Pioneers had a strong offensive showing. Four William Paterson players recorded two hits each, and the team totaled three home runs, two doubles, and two stolen bases. Starter Jose Marte pitched 6.2 innings, allowing three runs before being relieved by Cole McGregor (0-2), who gave up the decisive three runs in the eighth and took the loss.
With the win, NJCU improves to 2-13 in conference play and looks to carry the momentum into the second game of the two-game series. The teams will face off again on Friday, April 25, in Wayne, N.J., with first pitch scheduled for 3:30 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.
