UNION, N.J. - The New Jersey City University (NJCU) baseball team fell to #14 Kean University in an NJAC matchup on Thursday, April 3, at Jim Hynes Stadium, losing by a score of 5-2.

The Gothic Knights (9-11-1, 0-3 NJAC) were outhit by the Cougars (19-5, 3-0 NJAC) 11-9 in the contest. Despite the loss, NJCU had some notable individual performances, led by Enrique Beltra (Monroe, N.J./Ranney), who finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. Chris Rosario (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) also had a solid outing, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. Jeremy Ricourt (Perth Amboy, N.J./JFK Memorial) and Brandon Piacenza (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) each recorded two hits in the game, with Ricourt adding one run. Additionally, John Abrahamsen (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Township) crossed home plate once for the Gothic Knights.

Phil Kramer (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) (1-2) took the mound for NJCU and pitched a season-high 7.0 innings. He allowed 10 hits and five runs, while striking out one batter. Eriberto Reyes (Elizabeth, N.J./Elizabeth) relieved Kramer, tossing the final inning. Reyes faced four batters, surrendering one hit.

Rob Salvatore (2-0) started for the Cougars, going 5.0 innings and allowing just one run on six hits, with five strikeouts. Noah Rivera then came in for 2.0 innings of relief, giving up two runs on three hits. Chris Urbanik closed out the game, earning his second save of the season after pitching the final 2.0 innings, facing six batters, and recording one strikeout.

Kean wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning. The Cougars used two doubles to quickly take a 1-0 lead. NJCU responded in the top of the second when Abrahamsen led off with a single to left field. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored when Rosario singled through the left side, tying the game at 1-1. However, Kean regained the lead in the bottom of the second inning. A double, triple, and single gave the Cougars a 3-1 advantage.

The Cougars added another run in the fourth inning when CJ Tomalavage hit a solo home run, extending their lead to 4-1. NJCU fought back in the seventh inning, as Ricourt singled to left field and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Beltra followed with a single to left, driving in Ricourt and cutting the deficit to 4-2. However,

Kean responded with two singles and a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh to score their final run of the game, pushing the lead back to three. Despite a strong effort from the Gothic Knights, they were held hitless in the final two innings, and Kean secured the 5-2 victory.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights host Kean tomorrow for game two at 3:30 p.m.

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