WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -- The NJIT baseball team erupted for 13 runs in the second inning as the Highlanders defeated Monmouth, 17-5, Tuesday afternoon.

The Hawks struck first in the bottom of the opening inning, using three hits and an error to plate four runs and take an early 4-0 lead.

The Highlanders responded immediately in the top of the second inning with its biggest offensive frame of the season. The Highlanders sent 18 batters to the plate and scored 13 runs on nine hits. Connor Klock opened the scoring with an RBI single before Sheehan O'Connor delivered a bases-clearing double to tie the contest at 4-4.

Ty Sallie followed with an RBI single to give the Highlanders the lead for good. The bats continued to roll with RBI hits from Rowin O'Connor, Brody Levin, Ben Robinson and Sheehan O'Connor later in the inning to extend the advantage to 13-4.

The Highlanders added another run in the third inning when Rowin O'Connor scored following an error to push the lead to 14-4.

The Hawks picked up a run in the bottom of the fourth inning on an RBI single, trimming the deficit to 14-5, however the Highlanders answered again in the fifth inning, scoring three more runs. Dillon Can drove in a run on a throwing error before Klock delivered a two-run single to extend the lead to 17-5.

At the plate, Sheehan O'Connor led with four RBIs on three hits, while Rowin O'Connor finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored and an RBI. Klock added three RBIs and two hits, Robinson recorded two RBIs and a double, and Levin drove in two runs for the Highlanders.

On the mound, Tate Jones worked four innings, allowing five runs (three earned) while striking out two. Anthony Anzaldi followed with three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three and allowing no hits to secure the victory.

Next Up
NJIT returns home to Yogi Berra Stadium for America East play as the Highlanders welcome Maine on Friday, the 17th with first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m.