Hackettstown, NJ: Centenary rallied offensively but could not overcome a pair of big innings by Montclair State, falling 17–11 on Wednesday afternoon in Hackettstown.
Montclair State struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Centenary answered immediately. The Cyclones plated two runs in the bottom of the first and added another in the second to briefly take control early in the contest. The Red Hawks swung the momentum in the third inning, scoring six runs to move back in front, and later broke the game open with a seven-run sixth inning.
Centenary continued to battle at the plate throughout the afternoon, finishing with 14 hits. Nick Friscia led the Cyclones with a strong performance, going 3-for-5 with three runs scored and double. Joesph Frei added two hits and two RBIs, while Nick Santacross contributed a two-run hit after entering the game in center field.
Additional offensive production came from Anthony DiGrande, who drove in two runs, and Cole Schulberg, Benjamin Smith, and Blake Heitzman, who each added an RBI. The Cyclones scored in five different innings, including a three-run seventh and single runs in the eighth and ninth as they attempted to close the gap.
Despite the offensive effort, Montclair State's timely hitting proved decisive as the Red Hawks finished with 17 runs on 10 hits to secure the victory.
Centenary will look to bounce back as the Cyclones continue their homestand in upcoming action.
