Union, NJ… In the second game of the 2018 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship Tournament, the 9^th ranked College of New Jersey baseball team was defeated 3-1 Rutgers Camden on Friday. The Lions record now stands at 28-8 on the season, while Rutgers Camden jumps to 26-14. 

The game was a pitcher's duel at first, and starting pitcher Michael Fischer (Robbinsville, NJ/Robbinsville) retired eight Scarlet Raptors in a row early on. In the 5th inning, Fischer had a runner on second base with nobody out, however did not allow any runs. He got the first out by way of a strikeout then after a base hit forced a 4-6-3 DP to preserve the shutout. 

Rutgers Camden posed another threat in the 6th inning as they loaded the bases, yet Fischer escaped unscathed again as he forced a pop put to end the inning. In the 8th inning, Rutgers Camden broke the scoring column as they put up a three spot to take the lead and the Lions were unable to tie it up. In the 9th inning, designated hitter Patrick Anderson (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) launched a solo shot to left field get the Lions on the board. The home run was Anderson's 5th of his career and 2nd on the season. 

Despite the loss, Fischer provided a quality start for the Lions. He went eight innings pitched and allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out a pair. Zac deRocco (Red Bank, NJ/Middletown South) came on in the 9th to work a 1-2-3 inning including one out by way of a backwards k. 

The Lions will play tomorrow at noon against the loser of Rowan University and Ramapo College.