Box Score
EWING, NJ – The College of New Jersey defeated Rowan University, 6-1 in the first round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship Tournament on Thursday.
In the second round on Saturday, Rowan (21-16) faces Richard Stockton College (21-13-1) at 10 a.m. Richard Stockton lost to Kean University in the first round, 6-1. Kean (31-6) will play Ramapo College (28-12) at 2 p.m. and The College of New Jersey (29-8) meets Montclair State University (21-16) at 6 p.m. The double elimination tournament continues Saturday-Monday, May 5-7 at Bears and Eagles Stadium in Newark, NJ.
Pitcher Blake Ortiz (sr. Swedesboro, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) threw a complete game without allowing an earned run. He struck out four batters to improve to 6-1. Pitcher Joe Cichy (jr. Vineland, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) went seven innings and struck out five hitters in the loss.
First baseman Blake Bullis (sr. Delran, NJ/Delran) led the Lions with two hits (four at bats), three runs scored, two RBIs and a home run. Catcher Gerard Haran (sr. Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge) went one for three with two RBIs. Second baseman Andrew Cosgrove (sr. Lebanon, NJ/North Hunterdon) added one hit and one RBI. Center fielder Dave Mebs (jr. Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), designated hitter Bill Kropp (jr. Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) and shortstop Jeff Toth (so. Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Mem.) each scored once.
For Rowan, first baseman Rob Ritterson (jr. Sewell, NJ/George Washington (PA)) was three for four with one RBI. Third baseman Tom Ready (so. Blenheim, NJ/Triton Reg.) scored the Profs’ only run.
In the top of the first inning, Ritterson singled to left field and Ready crossed the plate on an error. TCNJ took the lead in the bottom half following a two run single by Haran. Cosgrove’s single in the third inning plated Bullis, putting the Lions up 3-1. Bullis had a solo homer in the fifth. Kropp came home on a fielder’s choice by Bullis in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kropp reached base with a double and advanced to third on an error. Bullis scored on a passed ball for TCNJ’s final run.
NJAC Championship Tournament
Thu., May 3 – at campus sites
Game 1 - #1 Kean 6, #6 Richard Stockton 1
Game 2 - #2 The College of New Jersey 6, #5 Rowan 1
Game 3 - #3 Montclair State 7, #4 Ramapo 1
Sat., May 5 – at Bears and Eagles Stadium, Newark, NJ
Game 4 – #6 Richard Stockton vs. #5 Rowan, 10:00 a.m.
Game 5 – #1 Kean vs. #4 Ramapo, 2:00 p.m.
Game 6 – #2 The College of New Jersey vs. #3 Montclair State, 6:00 p.m.
Sun., May 6 – at Bears and Eagles Stadium, Newark, NJ
(pairings are determined by the number of teams remaining after Saturday)
Game 7 – TBA, 10:00 a.m.
Game 8 – TBA, 2:00 p.m.
Game 9 – TBA, 6:00 p.m.
Mon., May 7 – at Bears and Eagles Stadium, Newark, NJ
Game 10 – TBA, 1:00 p.m.
Game 11 – if necessary, same teams as game 10, 4:00 p.m.
