March 28, 2006

Box Score

SOMERSET, NJ - The New Jersey Institute of Technology defeated C.W. Post University today 5-4 in a non-conference match-up at Commerce Bank Park in Somerset, NJ. The Highlanders improve their record to 8-7 while CW Post falls to 3-15-1.

CW Post opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when they posted three runs on four hits taking a 3-0 lead.

NJIT answered in the bottom of the second. Mike Turner singled down the left field line while teammate Matt Schlitter followed with an RBI single into the gap putting the Highlanders on the board. Catcher Jeff Potter added a single of his own, while rookie first baseman PJ Saporito grounded out to second, scoring Schlitter and earning his fourth RBI of the year.

CW Post threatened in the top of the third with bases loaded but freshman pitcher Matt Melody dug down deep and ended with a ground out to first.

In the bottom of the third, rookie Craig Binkiewicz hit a triple to the wall and scored on a grounder to second tying the game 3-3.

The Pioneers took a 4-3 lead when freshman Kyle Walker hit a two out grounder to the shortstop, but Highlander PJ Saporito was pulled off the bag on the throw, scoring Tim Sylvester. Sylvester who walked to lead off the inning, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the eighth Binkiewicz led off with a hard hit single over the shortstops head into left field. Senior Racz put down a sacrifice bunt down the first baseline getting the job done, moving Binkiewicz into scoring position. With the infield in, center fielder Derrick McCain stepped up to the plate and hit an RBI single to left field tying the game for the second time today. NJIT took a 5-4 lead on a wild pitch by Michael Mongeluzzo.

Senior pitcher Rob Forbes came into relieve freshman Matt Melody in the top of the eighth inning scattering one hit, striking out two while facing five batters. Forbes had his two strike outs in the top of the ninth and closed the game out on a grounder to third.

The Highlanders offense was led by Craig Binkiewicz hitting 3-for-4 with two runs. Binkiewicz had two singles, a double and a stolen base in the win. McCain and Turner both hit 2-for-4 on the day with one run. McCain added an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to tie the ball game at four.

For the Pioneers Kyle Walker went 2-for-5 with two RBI while teammate Chris Yandoli wento 3-for-5.

Freshman Matt Melody pitched 7 ½ innings scattering nine hits, on four runs and striking out seven before Rob Forbes came into relief and earned his first win on the season improving his record to 1-2. Michael Mongeluzzo records the loss pitching eight innings, giving up ten hits on five runs. Mongeluzzo struck out six Highlanders in the loss.

The Highlanders return to action tomorrow when they travel to Parsippany, NJ to take on Caldwell College at Smith Field for a 4pm start.