Box score

Ewing, NJ ... The College of New Jersey baseball team saw its six-game conference winning streak come to a close as they dropped a see-saw battle to Kean University 10-6.

In a game that included four lead-changes, a rain delay, and a lightning delay, the Lions (15-14, 8-4 NJAC) fell victim to a potent Cougar offense that plated four in the ninth to seal a road win.

The Lions struck first with a run in the first when Jimmy Ruzich (Verona, NJ/Montclair Kimberly Academy) scored freshman Scott Kelly (West Windsor, NJ/West Windsor North) with a sacrifice fly.

Kean (21-9, 7-4 NJAC) responded with two runs in the second. Sophomore Lee Cavico (North Brunswick, NJ/Bishop Ahr) singled and advanced to third when junior Nick Nolan (Linden, NJ/Roselle Catholic) doubled to left-center field. Cavico came home on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Stephen Nappe (Edison, NJ/Edison) and Eddie Jennings (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) singled to drive in Nolan giving the Cougars a 2-1 lead.

The Cougars tacked on runs in the third and sixth innings, but the Lions' offense awakened in the bottom of the sixth inning. Senior Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Twp.) ignited the rally with a double down the left-field line. Freshman Mike Murphy (Staten Island, NY/Staten Island Tech) reached on an error before sophomore Ed Zakrzewski (Three Bridges, NJ/Hunterdon Central) ripped a base hit to left-center to score Anzelone.

Kelly pushed a perfectly placed bunt past the pitcher to load the bases with nobody out. Junior Jason Zegarski (Lawrenceville, NJ/Lawrence) greeted relief pitcher Billy Dumchus (Edison, NJ/Edison) with a base hit to center field to tie the game at four. Catcher Mike Galeotafiore (Brick, NJ/Christian Brothers Academy) roped a run-scoring single to center field to plate Kelly and give the Lions a 5-4 lead.

The lead was short-lived as Nolan's two-run single drove in junior Ken Gregory (Pittstown, NJ/Immaculata) and Cavico to regain the lead. Nolan finished with four hits, three runs batted in, and a pair of stolen bases. Cavico and Dylan Laguna (Edison, NJ/Edison) also had three hits on the day. Nappe hit a long, three-run homer in the ninth.

Stephen Montalbano (North Brunswick, NJ/Bishop Ahr) threw three and two-thirds innings relief to earn the win.

Freshman Bobby Graber (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) had another solid outing going six innings giving up eight hits, four runs, and a walk while striking out four. 

Galeotafiore stroked three hits while Anzelone delivered a pair of doubles. Kelly and Zegarski also collected two apiece.

The Lions return to the diamond tomorrow when they visit Richard Stockton College for a 3:30 game.