FORT MYERS, FL—No. 22 FGCU jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and rolled past visiting NJIT, 9-1, in ASUN Conference baseball action Friday evening at Swanson Stadium.

FGCU (23-6, 1-0 ASUN) scored twice in the first and fourth and added five runs in the seventh, cruising to a 9-1 victory to earn the first ASUN Conference win for the Eagles.  The Highlanders added a run in the fifth, on a single down the left field line by Evan Pietronico.

Eagles starting pitcher Mario Leon pitched 5.0 innings, striking out eight Highlanders, improving to a 5-1 record.  The Eagles used four different pitchers to secure the win, shutting down the Highlanders in the final innings.

Sophomore RHP Jared Kacso was credited with the loss, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing four runs (two earned) while striking out two Eagle batters. 

LF Eli Lovell went a perfect 4-for-4 with four RBI and one runs scored while 2B Eric Gonzalex, C Alex Brait and DH Kohl Gilmore each notched two hits apiece.  Lovell recorded the only home run in the game.

NJIT's LF Pietronico finished 3-for-4 with one RBI while DH Bryce Short went 2-for-4 with one run scored.

Unfortunately, after two Highlander errors in the first inning, the Eagles took a 2-0 lead after one inning of play and added a pair of runs in the fourth for a 4-0 lead.

NJIT added one run in the top of the fifth on a single down the left field line by Pietronico.

The Eagles added five runs in the seventh to secure the 9-1 victory over the Highlanders.

The two teams will return to action on Saturday at 2pm.