ALBANY, NY - Kevin Putsky hit a pair of two-run home runs, including one in the ninth inning, but the NJIT baseball team's rally came up just short as UAlbany held on for a 6-5 victory at Varsity Field. 

The Highlanders went ahead 3-2 in the top of the eighth as Jake Stead, who pinch ran for Albert Choi after his leadoff double, scored on a wild pitch. NJIT left the bases loaded and UAlbany made them pay in the home half of the inning, scoring four runs on just one hit. 

Putsky, who also homered in the third inning to put NJIT in front 2-1, came to the plate following Cade Ladehoff's leadoff double and hit his ninth home run of the season to make it a one run game.

The Great Danes were able to get a pair of fly outs and a ground out to end the rally and complete the three-game America East series sweep.

Holden de Jong was tremendous again on the mound. The sophomore pitched into the eighth inning and struck out a career-high nine while allowing just two earned runs. de Jong has now struck out at least seven in each of his past three weekend starts.

Putsky's two home run, four RBI game led the NJIT offense. The veteran also hit a third hit for his second three-hit game of the season. Ladehoff was the only other Highlander with multiple hits. 

NJIT will look to get back in the win column on Tuesday when it returns to the friendly confines of Yogi Berra Stadium, where the Highlanders are 7-3 this season. They will take on local-foe Saint Peter's with first pitch scheduled for 6pm in Little Falls.