Lake Myrtle, Fla … .The College of New Jersey baseball team came out on top in a tight ballgame as they edged Benedictine University 5-4 on Wednesday night in Lake Myrtle, Fla.
 
Seniors John Spinapont (Point Pleasant, NJ/Point Pleasant Boro) and Ryan Carmon (Belle Mead) combined to scatter six hits over nine innings to help the Lions even their record at 3-3. The Eagles dropped to 1-5 on the season.
 
TCNJ had churned out 40 hits over its last three games, but managed to scratch out the victory with just five against Benedictine. The Lions were aggressive on the basepaths and took advantage of four Eagle miscues in the field.
 
After a scoreless first, Benedictine plated three runs in the top of the second. TCNJ answered back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third. Junior Garen Turner (Hainesport, NJ/Rancocas Valley) delivered a two-out, two-run double to center field to score freshmen Patrick Anderson (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) and Zachary Shindler (Wantagh, NY/Wantagh).
 
The Lions took the lead with a pair of unearned runs in the fifth. Anderson singled with one out and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Senior Anthony Cocuzza (Absecon, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) drew a free pass to put runners at first and second. A double steal led to a pair of errors by the catcher and left fielder, allowing Anderson and Cocuzza to cross home plate.
 
The Eagles unanswered back with a run in the top of the sixth to make it a 4-4 game. In the bottom of the frame, senior Josh Limon (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) doubled to lead off the inning. Junior Mark Mari (Bayonne, NJ/Seton Hall Prep) was hit by a pitch and freshman Mike Follet (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) walked to load the bases. A wild pitch allowed Limon to score with what was ultimately the winning run.
 
Carmon was outstanding out of the bullpen. He was touched for just two two hits, walked one and struck out six in four innings of work. Through the seventh, eighth and ninth innings, only one batter reached base and he was gunned down by Turner attempting to steal.
 
Spinapont went five innings in his first start of the season. He allowed four hits and struck out two and left the game with a 4-3 lead.
 
Anderson scored a pair of runs in his first collegiate start.
TCNJ was back between the lines on Thursday when they square off against Keene State College at 4:00 p.m. in Lake Myrtle, Fla.