LOWELL, MA -- The NJIT baseball team jumped out to an early three-run lead but ultimately fell in extra innings, 4-3, to UMass Lowell on Saturday night.

The Highlanders struck quickly in the top of the first inning behind a pair of home runs from Rowin O'Connor and Dillon Can. O'Connor launched a two-run shot to right field to score Ty Sallie and give the Highlanders an early advantage before Can followed later in the frame with a solo blast to push the lead to 3-0.

The River Hawks trimmed the deficit to 3-1 in the second inning before both pitching staffs settled in. The Highlanders maintained the two-run advantage into the eighth inning, when the River Hawks rallied for two runs to even the contest at 3-3.

The Highlanders threatened late, placing runners on base in both the seventh and eighth innings, but could not push across an insurance run. The game moved into extra innings tied at three.

In the bottom of the 10th, the River Hawks capitalized on a leadoff baserunner and eventually plated the winning run on an RBI single to secure the walk-off victory.

At the plate, Sallie led the Highlanders with two hits, while Sheehan O'Connor also recorded a multi-hit performance. Rowin O'Connor and Can each drove in runs with their first-inning home runs to account for all three Highlander scores.

On the mound, Mark Scamardella turned in a strong outing, holding the River Hawks to just one run across six innings. The right-hander scattered six hits while striking out eight and issuing three walks to keep the Highlanders in control through the middle innings.

Brandon Peterson (0–2) was charged with the loss in relief, allowing three runs (two earned) over 3.1 innings while striking out two.

Next Up
The Highlanders take on UMass Lowell for the series finale on Sunday, the 12th with first pitch scheduled for 12:00 p.m.