The Seton Hall Pirates fell to the NJIT Highlanders by a score of 9-6 on Tuesday, March 11 at Mike Sheppard Sr. Stadium. Despite having won the final game of the series 5-3, the Pirates were looking to rebound after losing their three-game series against the St. Joseph’s Hawks last weekend.
Seton Hall starting right-handed pitcher Steven Svenson was dominant through the first four innings of the game, only allowing one hit while striking out five hitters. Despite this performance, Svenson was replaced by former Manhattan pitcher Patrick Benn. For the Highlanders, sophomore starting pitcher Colin Kidd allowed two runs through three innings before getting replaced, as the Pirates led 2-0 by the top of the fourth.
Despite a 2-0 lead, the Highlanders tied the game (2-2), courtesy of a two-run triple from first baseman Mattie Thomas. With RBI singles from sophomore Aiden Robbins and freshman shortstop Tommy Manzo, the Pirates led 4-3 after six innings of play.
Seton Hall right-handed pitcher Joey Calabretti came in with a one-run inning before the Pirates went down 7-4 to the Highlanders. Despite a 1-2-3 inning in the seventh, the eighth inning saw four hits, two walks, and four runs scored for the Highlanders, with a two-run double from NJIT junior infielder Austin Francis, as well as a two-run single from senior infielder Michael Doyle.
Pirates senior Jack Wentworth entered in the ninth, allowing two baserunners without recording an out. Sophomore Jayson Torres then took over and finished the inning. Despite a two-run home run from designated hitter Jimmy Brennan in the bottom of the inning, Seton Hall couldn’t mount a comeback, losing the game, 9-6.
For the Pirates, Brennan and Robbins both got three hits, while Robbins was able to draw a walk as well. As for the Highlanders, Francis, Thomas, and senior utility player Jaden Caballero all recorded two RBIs, which helped them secure the win over the Pirates.
The Pirates currently stand at 7-11 overall after a three-game series to Stony Brook from March 12 to March 16. They will face Wagner on Tuesday, March 18 in Staten Island, New York.
John Misiewicz is a writer for The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at john.misiewicz@student.shu.edu.
