Deptford, NJ (March 14, 2021) – The Northern Essex Community College baseball team dropped three games to Rowan Gloucester over the weekend, while the fourth game is expected to be ruled a no-contest following a 7th inning protest filed by Knights head coach Jeff Mejia.
Saturday- Game 1
Levi Burrill (Amesbury) went the distance on the mound as the Knights dropped a 2-0 decision to open the series. A two-run third inning for Rowan was the difference in the game as the Roadrunners were able to plate a pair with two outs in the frame. For the game, Burrill struck out five, while giving seven hits and only allowing one walk.
Offensively, the Knights struggled to get it going in the first game as Logan Burrill (Amesbury) registered the only hit for the Knights in game 1 as they had four runners reach base.
Game 2
A six run second inning for Rowan was the difference as the Knights dropped a 12-7 decision in game two Saturday.
Trailing 2-1 after one, a grand slam in the second off starter Ronnie Luke (Malden) opened the game up and the Knights rally fell short as five defensive miscues proved costly over the course of the game. Chris Presinal (Sudbury), Joe Muzio (Rockport), Jared Coppola (Lynn) and Dylan Duval (Middleton) each recorded a hit in the game.
Sunday- Game 1
After falling behind 7-0, the Knights rallied all the way back with six runs in the 6th to drop a 7-6 final. For the game the Knights outhit the Roadrunners seven to five. Coppola and Presinal each recorded two hits apiece to lead the offense.
Todd Tringale (Saugus) started the game and struck out four over three innings of work, while allowing five runs (one earned), three hits and issued one walk. Tristan Ciampa (Wilmington) followed with two innings of work allowing two runs on two hits, while striking out one and walking one. Jack Swarbrick (Haverhill) pitched the final inning striking out one.
Game 2
The game currently stands as a 5-4 final in favor of Rowan, however the game was protested with the Knights trailing 5-3 with one out in the 7th with two runners on base. The protest is expected to be overturned which would result in a no-contest if the teams can't find a mutual date and location to complete the game from the point of protest.
Dallas Vaughan (Haverhill) started for the Knights and allowed five runs (four eanred) over three innings, allowing four hits with a strikeout. Alex Sweeney (Raymond, NH) followed with three scoreless innings in which he allowed one hit and struck out two.
Duval recorded a two RBI single in the 7th that brought the game to 5-3, to record one of the Knights six hits for the game. For the game Presinal was the most productive as he recorded a hit, RBI and scored the Knights first run of the game in the fourth.
The Knights return to action next weekend as they head to Bethlehem, PA for a four game series with #4 Northampton Community College who has yet to see game action this season as their season opening series this weekend was cancelled.
Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 12 varsity intercollegiate sports including baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, softball, women's volleyball, men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, Esports and men's and women's track and field. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics please visit the official website of Northern Essex Athletics (www.neccknights.com).