Box Score (.pdf)

Newark, N.J.- Justin Etts' two-run double with one out in the sixth inning broke a 2-2 tie as the NJIT Highlanders defeated USC Upstate 4-2 in the Atlantic Sun conference opener for both teams on Friday at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

NJIT improves to 10-15 and 1-0 while Upstate falls to 13-13 and 0-1.

James Fowlkes got Upstate on the board in the first inning on a solo home run with one out. Charlie Carpenter reached on a two out double before a flyout ended the inning.

Bryan Haberstroh led off the NJIT second with a single before being retired on a fielder's choice. Cody Kramer reached on the fielder's choice and scored on a Justin Etts infield single to tie the game at 1.

The Spartans had runners on the corners with one out and the bases loaded with two outs in the third inning before NJIT starting pitcher Sean Lubreski ended the inning with a strikeout. The Highlanders took the lead with one run in the home half of the frame. Johnny Malatesta reached on a leadoff walk and scored on an Evan Pietronico double before a double play and flyout ended the inning.

The game was delayed for 1 hour, 49 minutes due to rain at the middle of the fourth inning. NJIT got a pair of one out singles in the fifth inning but Upstate starting pitcher Eric Birklund worked out of the jam thanks to a popout and a strikeout.

Carpenter led off the Upstate sixth with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a Jordan Ford single to tie the game at 2. NJIT answered in their half of the inning on a two-run double from Etts on what proved to be the game-winning hit.

Upstate threatened in the eighth inning after Carpenter led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a one out infield single by Ford. NJIT would get out of the inning unscathed thanks to a pair of fielder's choices.

Fowlkes led the Upstate offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two singles and an RBI. Ford was 3-for-4 with three singles and an RBI. Shimko went 2-for-5 with a single and double. Carpenter went 2-for-2 with a single and double.

Etts led the Highlanders as he went 2-for-4 with a single, double and three RBI. Pietronico went 3-for-4 with a double, two singles and an RBI.

Upstate stranded 10 runners on base while NJIT left nine on base.

Ian Bentley (3-3) earned the win as he allowed one run on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in five innings of relief. Birklund (1-2) took the loss, allowing four runs on 10 hits with three walks and six strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

Upstate and NJIT continue their series tomorrow at 1 p.m.

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