HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The top three batters in the line-up combined to score four runs and drove in three but it was not enough as the Centenary University baseball team fell to New Jersey City University, 14-6 in the season opener at Our Diamond of Dreams on Saturday afternoon.

The Cyclones were back on the field for the first time since March 11, 2020 at Wilkes and the Covid pause that followed.

The Gothic Knights struck first in this one with five runs in the top of the first. The big blow in the inning came off the bat of Justin Wiltsey, who had a two-run double to left center.

Centenary got two of those runs back in the bottom half of that frame. Junior Paul Links launched a double to left center that scored senior Jon Fleck. Junior Brandon Smith then scored on fellow junior Anthony Vassallo's RBI groundout.

The two teams traded runs in the second as NJCU took a 6-3 lead in the contest. The Cyclones' run in the inning came courtesy of Fleck's double to the fence in right field that scored freshman Nick Gattuso.

The Gothic Knights tacked on two more runs and led 10-3 going to the bottom of the fourth.

Centenary sent nine batters to the plate in its half of the fourth and plated three runs to make it a 10-6 game. Fleck picked up another RBI as his groundout to first scored sophomore Kevin Zaccareo Jr. Smith added an RBI double to right center before Gattuso was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to plate another run.

NJCU added four runs over the final five innings to secure the 14-6 victory.

Gavin Niland starting for the Gothic Knights and surrendered six runs on seven hits in 3.1 innings of work. Aaron Ayers was strong out of the bullpen as he tossed 5.2 innings and did not allow a run while striking out 11. Junior Scott Ducey started for the Cyclones and gave up nine runs, six of which were earned on six hits in three innings. Junior Tyler Martinez had three strikeouts in four innings of relief work.

Ricky Voss had three hits and three runs scored for NJCU while Wiltsey finished with two hits, three runs scored and two RBIs.

Links led Centenary with three hits and an RBI while Fleck had a hit, two RBIs and a run scored.

Centenary is back in action on Tuesday, March 16 when the Cyclones host Gwynedd Mercy at 2:30 p.m.