LOWELL, MA - The NJIT baseball team was defeated 5-4 by host UMass Lowell in America East Conference action on Friday evening at LaLacheur Park.

NJIT out-hit Lowell 9-8, but was unable to get runners home on multiple occasions, leaving 11 runners on base.

The Highlanders went in front 2-0 in the third inning on a two-run double off the bat of Ray Ortiz. Ortiz now leads the America East with 15 doubles this season.

NJIT's lead was short-lived, however, as the Riverhawks exploded for four runs in the fourth inning to go in front 4-2.

The Highlanders looked like they'd answer immediately, getting three straight singles to lead off the fifth inning, but were unable to get a run across thanks to a 1-2-3 double play followed by a two-out groundout. NJIT did get within one an inning later when Jared Donnelly's single scored Brett Helmkamp to make it a 4-3 game.

Lowell was able to get the run back in the seventh to go back ahead by two. NJIT loaded the bases again with no outs in the eighth, but was only able to get one run across as Luke Longo drew a bases loaded walk.

Austin Francis got on base with a two-out hit in the ninth, but UML was able to get a line out to put the game away.

Ryan Fischer started on the mound for the Highlanders and went seven innings and struck out six while not walking a batter. Liam Reiner pitched a scoreless eighth inning out of the bullpen.

Donnelly led the NJIT offense with three hits, while Francis had a pair.

The teams will return to the diamond on Saturday for game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 1pm back at LaLacheur Park.