TEANECK, N.J. – The NJIT baseball team sweeps doubleheader over Iona Saturday afternoon at the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex, taking the opener 8-0 before closing the day with a 10-2 victory.
Game 1: NJIT 8, Iona 0
The Highlanders jumped out early and never looked back in the morning contest, scoring three runs in the first inning and riding a combined shutout from their pitching staff.
Cole Campbell sparked the opening frame with a double before coming around to score on an error. Jack Stead followed with an RBI single, and Lorenzo Camilleri added an RBI base knock to give the Highlanders a 3-0 lead.
The Highlanders added single runs in the third and fourth innings, highlighted by an RBI groundout from Camilleri and an RBI single from Austin Francis.
The Highlanders broke the game open in the seventh when Stead delivered a two-run triple to left, extending the lead to 7-0. Ty Sallie added an RBI single in the eighth to cap the scoring.
On the mound, Josh Willitts tossed 4.0 scoreless innings, allowing three hits while striking out three. Tate Jones (1-0) earned the win with 3.2 innings of shutout relief, and Tade Riordan closed out the combined seven-hit shutout.
At the plate, Stead went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a two-run triple. Francis collected two hits and drove in a run while Campbell scored three times and added a double.
Game 2: NJIT 10, Iona 2
The Highlanders carried its momentum into the afternoon matchup, scoring three runs in the third inning to take control.
After Sallie reached and later scored on an error, Stead launched a two-run home run to give the Highlanders a 3-0 lead.
The Gaels cut the deficit to 3-1 in the fourth and 7-2 in the fifth, but the Highlanders responded with a four-run fifth inning. RBI singles from Nick Vega and Rowin O'Connor, along with a run-scoring groundout by Tyler Huzzy, helped stretch the lead to 7-1.
The Highlanders added insurance runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, including an RBI double from Francis and a sacrifice fly from Campbell.
On the mound, Mark Scamardella (1-1) earned the victory with 4.1 innings of relief, striking out six and allowing one run. Brandon Peterson made the start, and Anthony Anzaldi recorded the final four outs to secure the win.
At the plate, Stead finished 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs, Vega went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a double. Huzzy added two hits and two RBIs while Francis collected two doubles and drove in a run.
Up Next
The Highlanders will host Saint Peter's for a weekend series with game times and location to be announced later.
