JERSEY CITY, N.J. — The New Jersey City University Gothic Knights continued their momentum on Tuesday afternoon, securing a 12-6 non-conference victory over the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex. With the win, NJCU earned its second consecutive triumph behind a season-high offensive output and a steady performance on the mound.

The Gothic Knights erupted for 14 hits and capitalized on six USMMA errors, applying pressure early and often. Jeremy Ricourt (Perth Amboy, N.J./JFK Memorial) and Travis Evernham (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan) anchored the lineup, combining for seven hits, four runs scored, and four RBIs. Ricourt went 4-for-6 with two RBIs and a run scored, while Evernham finished 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBIs. Ray Gelok (Clifton, N.J./Passaic Tech) added a multi-hit performance as well, with two RBIs and a run. NJCU recorded four doubles, a triple, three sacrifice bunts, and six stolen bases in a well-rounded offensive showing.

NJCU wasted little time seizing control, sending 11 batters to the plate in a six-run first inning. Ricourt ignited the rally with a leadoff single and later scored after a bases-loaded walk by Shawn Kish (Fords, N.J./Woodbridge). Gelok followed with an RBI single before Evernham delivered a two-run single to right field. Heads-up baserunning allowed Gelok to score on a stolen base from third, and the inning was capped when Evernham crossed the plate on an error, giving the Gothic Knights a commanding 6-0 lead.

The Gothic Knights extended their advantage in the second inning. After Daniel Kapsch (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) reached on a walk and Brandon Piacenza (Bloomfield, N.J./Bloomfield) was hit by a pitch, a sacrifice bunt moved both into scoring position. A failed double-play attempt allowed Kapsch to score, pushing the lead to 7-0.

USMMA responded in the third, capitalizing on a hit, an error, and a balk to plate two runs. NJCU answered immediately in the bottom half, as Collin Elam (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) reached and advanced aggressively on throwing errors before scoring on Ricourt's RBI single to restore a six-run cushion at 8-2.

NJCU continued to build its lead in the middle innings. Evernham doubled and later scored on another RBI single by Ricourt in the fourth, and a three-run fifth inning extended the margin to 11-2. In that frame, Piacenza showcased aggressive baserunning with two stolen bases before scoring on a triple by Shawn Kish (Fords, N.J./Woodbridge), who later crossed the plate on Gelok's second RBI hit of the day.

On the mound, Justin Foy (Perth Amboy, N.J./Perth Amboy) (1-2) delivered a strong outing to earn his first collegiate victory. The right-hander worked 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and striking out a season-high five batters while keeping the Mariners off balance through the early innings. Relievers Derek Bauernschmidt (Little Ferry, N.J./Ridgefield Park) and Jeffrey Osborne (Spotswood, N.J./Spotswood) combined to close out the final 3 1/3 innings.

The Mariners mounted their most significant threat in the sixth inning, highlighted by a solo home run and a late rally that produced four runs to cut the deficit to 11-6. However, NJCU halted the momentum as Osborne retired the side in order in the seventh. The Gothic Knights answered in the bottom of the inning with back-to-back doubles by Evernham and Nick Vaughn (Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean Township) to account for the game's final run.

USMMA was led offensively by Christian Gamez, who drove in three runs. Jason Brown and Landon Troutt each recorded multiple hits, with Troutt scoring a team-high two runs. Parker Hutchins (0-1) was charged with the loss after surrendering five runs in the opening inning.

NJCU's Osborne held the Mariners to just two hits over the final three innings, sealing the non-conference victory and maintaining control after the sixth-inning surge.

UP NEXT:

The Gothic Knights return to action on Thursday, April 23, when they host the No. 5 Rowan University Profs in New Jersey Athletic Conference play. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

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