RICHMOND, VA - The NJT baseball team dropped the opener of a three-game series on Friday, falling 5-4 to host VCU in 10 innings at The Diamond.

Neither the Highlanders or Rams were able to cross home plate until the bottom of the fourth inning when VCU plated an unearned run to go ahead 1-0.

NJIT answered with three runs in the sixth and held onto its lead until late when the Rams scored runs in the eighth and ninth innings to tie the contest and send it to extras.

The Highlanders went back in front 4-3 in the 10h, but the hosts once again came from behind, this time with a pair of runs in the home half of the 10th inning to win the game.

Reigning America East Pitcher of the Year Ryan Fischer was back to his old ways on Friday, tossing seven innings and giving up just two hits while only allowing one run, which was unearned. The right-hander struck out four and walked just one.

Offensively, Kevin Putsky led the way with a pair of doubles, one of which knocked in a run. NJIT's other RBIs came from Dillon Can, Jared Donnelly, and Cole Fleming. Ray Ortiz scored twice and reached base three time, once via a double and twice by drawing walks. 

The Highlanders and Rams continue their series on Saturday at 2pm back at The Diamond in Richmond.