Raritan Valley Knocks Down #15 Middlesex College

Branchburg, NJ – On Tuesday March 19th the Raritan Valley Lions traveled to Middlesex College to take on the #15 nationally ranked Colts. Middlesex was the first to get on the scoreboard in the first inning when an error scored one run. In the top of the second inning RVCC went ahead after freshman Bryce Pantozzi singled in a run and a Middlesex error scored another. In the bottom of the inning Middlesex would answer back by scoring six runs taking a 7-2 lead. The Lions flipped the script in the top of the ninth inning, scoring six runs on five hits to take an 11-9 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a triple by Bryce Pantozzi that emptied the bases.

Sophomore Cristian Morel got the start on the bump for RVCC. Morel gave up six hits and struck out four over four innings. Sophomore Schuyler Knutsen followed by throwing 3 innings of no-hit baseball. Freshman Xavier Arana pitched the eighth and earned the win, his first of the season. The lefty struck out one batter. The bottom of the ninth was pitched by Freshman Dovid Solomon. Facing the heart of the Middlesex lineup the lefty-submariner struck out one while earning the save, his second of the season.

RVCC amassed twelve hits in the game. Bryce Pantozzi and Sophomore Parker Muratore each collected three hits. Sophomore Eric Knapp and freshman Logan Escamilla each had two. On the base paths sophomore Mike Izzo and Bryce Pantozzi each stole two bags. The Lions had patience at the plate as they drew seven walks.

Raritan Valley is back in action this Thursday as they face Sussex County Community College in Region XIX Division II Conference Play.