LITTLE FALLS, N.J. — Despite a late push and a three-run home run from Rowin O'Connor, the NJIT baseball team fell just short against Binghamton, 5-4, on Sunday night at Yogi Berra Stadium.

After the Bearcats opened the game with four runs on six hits in the top of the first, the Highlanders settled in behind strong relief pitching from Tade Riordan, who tossed 5.0 scoreless innings and allowed just three hits while striking out two to keep the Highlanders within striking distance.

The Highlanders broke through in the bottom of the fifth inning when Cole Campbell led off the frame with a single before Conner Rippo worked a walk to set the stage for O'Connor, who launched a three-run home run to left field to cut the deficit to 4-3 and shift momentum toward the Highlanders. 

The Bearcats responded in the seventh, taking advantage of three walks in the inning to push across what proved to be the decisive run and extend its lead to 5-3.

The Highlanders mounted one final rally in the ninth inning when Austin Francis singled to center and later scored on Rippo's RBI groundout. 

The Highlanders brought the tying run to third base with two outs, but the Bearcats recorded the final out to secure the win.

O'Connor led the Highlanders offensively with three RBIs on his fifth-inning homer, while Francis, Campbell, Can, and Ty Sallie each recorded hits for the Highlanders.

Out of the bullpen, Becker Sybirski added 2.2 strong innings of relief, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out one.

Next Up
The Highlanders welcome Rider to Yogi Berra Stadium on Tuesday, the 7th with first pitch scheduled for 6:00 p.m.