JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders dropped a conference matchup against the New Jersey City University Gothic Knights on Thursday afternoon, falling 9–2 in a game dominated by NJCU's early offensive explosion and a strong outing from their pitchers

NJCU set the tone early in the bottom of the first inning when leadoff hitter Garret Allo launched a solo home run to left field, immediately putting pressure on Rutgers-Newark starter Matthew King, who came into the game with a 4–0 record.

The third inning proved to be the turning point, as NJCU erupted for five runs. Allo continued his hot start, driving in two more runs with a single up the middle. Moments later, Brandon Piacenza broke the game open with a two-run homer to right field, giving NJCU a commanding 6–0 lead.

Rutgers-Newark tried to respond in the top of the third, managing a run via a sacrifice fly from Gilroy Prial, but struggled to generate consistent offense throughout the afternoon. NJCU's Phil Kramer (now 2–2 on the season) was solid on the mound, tossing six innings while allowing only one earned run and striking out three.

NJCU added insurance runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. Rutgers-Newark managed a late run in the ninth but couldn't mount a serious comeback. They left nine runners on base and struck out eight times overall, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Scarlet Raiders used four different pitchers in relief, but none could fully contain NJCU's hot bats.

The Scarlet Raiders will look to bounce back with a rematch against the Gothic Knights at Weequahic Park tomorrow at 3:30 PM.

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