Box Score

WAYNE, N.J. – William Paterson (12-7-1, 2-1 NJAC) scored two runs during the bottom of the eighth and ninth innings to rally for a dramatic 4-3 baseball victory against visiting New Jersey City (4-16, 0-3 NJAC) April 7.

Trailing 3-2 to start the bottom of the ninth, sophomore Scott Hansen (Saddle Brook, N.J./Don Bosco Prep) started the rally with a single to shortstop before being lifted for pinch runner Mike Moran (Pompton Plains, N.J./Pequannock Twp.). Pinch hitter Marc Palestina (Paramus, N.J./Paramus) put down a sacrifice bunt but was safe on an error by the Gothic Knight third baseman, and was replaced by pinch runner Blake Crouch (River Edge, N.J./River Dell Regional). Junior Jack Montanile's (Weehawken, N.J./Hudson Catholic) sacrifice was successful, advancing the two runners and leaving first base open for designated hitter Rob Doughty (Jersey City, N.J./Hudson Catholic), who was intentionally walked and then replaced by pinch runner Brian Truchan (Sayreville, N.J./Sayreville War Memorial). Freshman Scott Ptaszynski's (Wharton, N.J./Morris Hills) fielder's choice resulted in an out at second but was enough to plate Mike Moran and tie the score. Freshman A.J. Flores (West Orange, N.J./West Orange) walked to again load the bases, and junior shortstop Anthony Dorio (Lyndhurst, N.J./Lyndhurst) provided the game-winning hit when he singled deep into the hole on the left side of the infield, driving in Crouch from third base.

Dorio was 2-for-4 with three RBI to lead the Pioneers at the plate. Flores was 2-for-4. Freshman Josh Jensen (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) tossed 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs on four hits, striking out six. Junior Dan Alcala (Totowa, N.J./Passaic Valley Regional) threw 2.2 relief innings, allowing only one hit and striking out one. Junior Bryce Warden (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) picked up the victory, improving to 3-0 by pitching to NJCU's final hitter of the ninth inning.

New Jersey City struck first, plating three runs in the top of the third inning. Back-to-back singles by senior Ken Witte and classmate Jorge Gutierrez put the Gothic Knights in position to score. A single by Francisco Ramirez plated Witte, followed by a walk issued to Michael Fiorentino, which scored Guiterrez. A fielder's choice drove in Ramirez, putting the Gothic Knights up 3-0.

A single by Montanile sparked the Pioneer offense in the bottom of the eighth inning. A walk issued to Ptaszynski, followed by a single by Flores, loaded the bases. A soft single up the middle by Dorio plated Montanile and Ptaszynski, cutting the lead to 3-2.

Five different Gothic Knights accounted for New Jersey City's five hits. Sophomore Wendell Rodriguez pitched 8.0 innings, allowing six hits and four runs (two earned). Senior Jeff Karczewski pitched the final 0.2 inning for NJCU.

William Paterson will visit New Jersey City Friday, April 8, at 3:30 p.m.