LITTLE FALLS, NJ - Senior Aidan Kidd proved why he is looked upon as the NJIT baseball team's "ace" on Friday night as he struck out a career-best 12 hitters to lead the Highlanders past UMass Lowell in America East Conference action at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Friday's win was NJIT's first at Yogi Berra Stadium, which was announced as its new home field in the fall of 2023. 

Kidd allowed a run in the first inning, but settled in from there as he gave up just three hits over six innings of work in what was arguably the best start of the 2023 First Team All-America East performer's career.

It took a while for the NJIT offense to get going as it was held off the scoreboard for four innings. The bats were able to get the zero off the board in the fifth, however, scoring three runs to take a lead they wouldn't give up. 

Cole Fleming and Albert Choi each recorded RBIs in the three-run fifth, while Ty Sallie used his speed to score on a wild pitch. 

NJIT added a run in the bottom of the sixth when Kevin Putsky singled up the middle to score Ray Ortiz and put the Highlanders ahead 4-1. 

Liam Reiner entered the game in the seventh inning and was able to get double plays in both the seventh and eighth innings to get NJIT out of trouble. UML did score a run in each of the eighth and ninth innings, but Reiner was able to close the door with a strikeout for the third out in the ninth for his second save of the season. 

Putsky and Sallie each had a pair of hits to lead the Highlanders offense.

Kidd now has 50 strikeouts on the season, eight more than any other America East pitcher.

NJIT will look to clinch the series victory on Saturday when they host the Riverhawks in game two of the series. First pitch is slated for 2pm back at Yogi Berra Stadium.