JERSEY CITY, N.J. – New Jersey City University (NJCU) fell to Marywood University, 8–5, on Thursday, March 19 in its first game of the season at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex.

The Gothic Knights (3-5-1) were outhit 12-8 and committed four errors, while the Pacers (7-5) played error-free baseball. Despite the loss, NJCU pitching held Marywood scoreless over the final six innings and stranded 18 runners, striking out seven.

Marywood built an early 8-0 lead through the first three innings, capitalizing on timely hitting and NJCU miscues. From there, the Gothic Knights' bullpen settled in and kept the deficit from growing, setting the stage for a late push.

NJCU broke through in the bottom of the eighth inning. After putting runners on base, junior Kenneth Wines (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) delivered a clutch single to drive in two runs and put the Gothic Knights on the board. Later in the inning, freshman Nicholas Diadema (Marlboro, N.J./Marlboro) reached on a fielder's choice, allowing another run to score and cut the deficit to 8-3.

The rally continued into the ninth. Marco Cundari (Staten Island, N.Y./St. Peter's Boys) led off by reaching base, and Johnovan Rodriguez (Rahway, N.J./Rahway) followed after being hit by a pitch. With one out, Thomas Ingallinera (Hackensack, N.J./Hackensack) was also hit by a pitch to load the bases. NJCU capitalized on its patience at the plate, as Brandon Brito (Leonia, N.J./Leonia) was hit by a pitch to force in a run. Moments later, Justin Dekis (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing home another run and trimming the deficit to 8-5 with the tying run aboard.

With momentum building and the bases still loaded, Marywood responded by inducing a game-ending double play to seal the victory and halt the Gothic Knights' comeback attempt.

Cundari led NJCU offensively, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored. Wines recorded two RBIs, while Brito, Dekis, and Diadema also drove in runs. Travis Evernham (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) added the team's lone stolen base.

For Marywood, Joel Ayers and AJ Kuzior combined for four RBIs, while Adam Ginsberg scored three runs. Kuzior recorded two doubles, and the Pacers totaled four stolen bases.

Aidan Dolan (1-0) earned the win in relief, while Brett Kugler picked up the save. NJCU starter Collin Elam (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) (0-2) took the loss after allowing eight runs (five earned) over three innings.

UP NEXT:
NJCU travels to face Muhlenberg College on Saturday, March 21 for a doubleheader scheduled at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.