Peacocks Slug Their Way Past NJIT

Recap:

The Saint Peter's College (7-17) baseball team achieved their first series win of the season after defeating the NJIT Highlanders (5-10) 5-2 this afternoon. Matt Mancini pitched a solid 8-1/2 innings, giving up just two earned runs on six hits while striking out 7 to earn the victory. Saint Peter's has now won four of their last five contests.

SPC trailed the Highlanders for just a half inning, as NJIT scored in the top of the sixth on an RBI groundout. The Peacocks responded in the bottom half of the frame scoring two runs on three hits and two NJIT errors. A solo home run by Chris Grimes (second of the season) tied the score at 1-1 and an unearned run scored by Stupienski gave SPC a one run lead.

NJIT tied the game again on a home run by Tom Bouck the next inning until the Peacocks recorded three runs in the eighth to establish a lead they would never relinquish. With two outs and the bases loaded, Mike Scictella would rip a single to left field to score Brian Koster and Patt Farrell. Justyn Carter's RBI base hit in the next at bat brought home Matt Speckmann and gave SPC a three run advantage (5-2).

Senior closer Anthony DeLeo entered the ninth inning in relief of Mancini with one out, and managed to work his way out of a bases loaded jam to record his second save of the season.

Five Peacocks finished with two hits in the game, Justyn Carter (2-5, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base), Chris Grimes (2-4, 1 run scored, 1 RBI), Russ Stupienski (2-3, 1 walk, 1 run scored), Pat Farrell (2-4, 1 run scored) and Brian Koster (2-4, 1 run scored, 1 stolen base). 

The Peacocks return to action this Tuesday, as they take on Monmouth University at 3:30pm.