BRANCHBURG, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) baseball team concluded its 2025 season on a high note, defeating the College of Saint Elizabeth Eagles by a score of 7-4 in a non-conference matchup held at Raritan Valley Community College on Wednesday, April 30. Despite being outhit 12-9, the Gothic Knights capitalized on timely hitting, aggressive base running, and solid pitching to secure the victory.

Saint Elizabeth (16-24) came out swinging, putting immediate pressure on NJCU (13-26-1) starting pitcher Phil Kramer (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) in the top of the first inning. The Eagles tallied four hits in the frame, including a home run and a triple, quickly building a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the third, NJCU sparked a rally with two outs. After John Abrahamsen (Freehold, N.J./Freehold Township) reached on a fielder's choice, Dom Yarson (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) singled to center to place runners at the corners. Chris Rosario (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) then drew a walk to load the bases, setting up Shawn Kish (Fords, N.J./Woodbridge), who delivered a clutch double down the left field line, driving in both Abrahamsen and Yarson to cut the deficit to 3-2.

The Gothic Knights tied the game in the fourth inning. Brenden Baeza (Garfield, N.J./Garfield) and Brandon Piacenza (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) opened the frame with back-to-back walks, and Arian Lunar (Caracas, Venezuela/Elizabeth) came through with a double down the left field line to score Baeza. Yarson followed with a sacrifice fly to left field, giving NJCU its first lead of the day at 4-3. The lead was short-lived, as Saint Elizabeth answered in the bottom half of the inning with their second home run of the game, knotting the score at 4-4.

NJCU regained the lead in the sixth inning when Yarson drew a walk, stole second, and scored on Rosario's RBI double to left. That 5-4 edge held through two scoreless innings, thanks to strong pitching by Yarson, who entered in relief and tossed three shutout frames to close out the game.

In the ninth, the Gothic Knights added critical insurance runs. Piacenza walked with two outs and Lunar smacked his second double of the game to drive him in, extending the lead to 6-4. Lunar advanced to third on a wild pitch, and Garrett Allo (Monroe, N.J./East Brunswick Tech) followed with a deep triple to center field to bring him home and cap the scoring at 7-4.

The Eagles made one final push in the bottom of the ninth, putting runners on second and third with two outs. However, the Gothic Knights executed a key defensive play, catching a runner in a rundown between third and home to end the game and seal the win.

NJCU showed its versatility and discipline throughout the game. They drew 14 walks compared to just two for the Eagles, stole 11 bases, and only struck out five times. Although Saint Elizabeth outhit NJCU and had the edge in home runs (2-0), the Eagles left 15 runners on base, squandering multiple scoring opportunities.

Individually, Arian Lunar (Caracas, Venezuela/Elizabeth) led the way offensively, going 2-for-5 with two RBIs, a run scored, and two doubles — bringing his season total to six. Dom Yarson (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) had a perfect day at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with two runs, one RBI, two stolen bases, and the save on the mound. The save is his first of the season, third of his career. Garrett Allo (Monroe, N.J./East Brunswick Tech) collected two hits, an RBI, and a career-high four stolen bases. Brandon Piacenza (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) reached base four times, scoring twice with a hit, three walks, and two steals. Phil Kramer (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) (3-3), named NJAC Rookie of the Week for April 21–27, picked up the win with six innings of work, striking out a season-high eight batters while walking just one.

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.