It was nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of Matt Szustowicz's pitches, as he continually pumped the ball at 90-plus mph, straight past New Jersey City University batters and into the Lion's glove.
Szustowicz's performance held the Gothic Knights at one run and three hits, as the College defeated Jersey City, 6-1, in the first round of the Sunday doubleheader. The Lions defeated NJCU 18-2 in the second game that evening.
These wins were significant for the Lions, helping them pull away from a three-game losing streak to Kean University and Rowan University last week.
"We had a bit of a tough streak, but now we're right back in the race," Chris Schoonhoven, junior second baseman, said. "We are going to keep going strong."
"These were really significant games because now we're back to being in fourth place in the conference," junior pitcher Julius Jenkins said. "We have to be at one of the top four positions, and we're working towards that, we're trying."
The fifth inning in first game was the stellar point for the Lions, as Szustowicz threw a no-hitter in the bottom. The Lions scored four runs off of four walks in the top of the inning bringing the lead to 6-0.
Senior catcher Greg Martinez finished with two doubles, two runs and one RBI. Jason Gumnitz, junior outfielder, went 2-for-3 with one run.
While pitching and defense were dominant in the opener, the Lions proved their offensive strength in the second.
Already leading 7-2 over the Gothic Knights, the Lions scored an additional seven runs in the eighth and four more in the ninth.
"We really came out and overcame the cold and hit the ball as a team," Jenkins said.
Steve Czajka, junior pitcher, finished 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs. Jon Mizglewski, junior outfielder, had a 3-for-5 game with three runs and one RBI.
Junior pitcher Mark Sanborn went eight innings, giving up only six hits and two runs. He struck out six batters, finishing 3-1.
Lions 1, Scarlet Raptors 0
Pitching was also strong during the Lions 1-0 win over Rutgers-Camden on Tuesday as senior pitcher Bryan Shaffer finished with a three-hit shutout.
The Lions scored the only run of the day during the first inning.
Upcoming Game
Rutgers-Camden University has a chance for a comeback when the Lions face the Scarlet Raptors at home this Thursday.
