Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (3-1-1) split a 7-inning doubleheader with Castleton University (3-3), with the Ospreys taking the first game 4-3 in nine innings, while the Spartans captured the nightcap 2-0.
Tommy Talbot (Howell/Howell) led the offense with four hits on the day.
The visitors started game one by scoring three runs in the fist two frames for a quick 3-0 lead. The Ospreys answered with a single marker in the second, when
Ryan Mihlebach (Clarksboro/GCIT) scored after a hit and throwing error.
Stockton plated another single tally in the third with two walks and a
Luke Fabrizzi (Old Bridge/St. John Vianney) single to load the bases. Freshman
Jordan Nitti (Hamilton/Steinert) knocked in the run with his second RBI of the season to slice the margin to 3-2.
The score would remain at 3-2 until the bottom of the seventh inning when Stockton tied the game.
John Perrino (Wall/Wall) walked and proceeded to steal second and third with one away. Fabrizzi scored Perrino with a sacrifice fly to send the game into extra innings.
In the bottom of the ninth,
Robbie Ford (Green Twp./Newton) walked then advanced to third on a hit by Talbot. Perrino was walked intentionally, setting up freshman
Thomas Elgrim (Fair Haven/Rumson-Fair Haven).
Elgrim promptly rapped a single to center to give Stockton the 4-3 win. It was Elgrim's first career hit and RBI. Fellow frosh
Dylan Sakele (Rumson/Rumson-Fair Haven) tossed the final inning for his first collegiate win, striking out one hitter.
The story of the nightcap was junior
Mike Schiattarella (Manahawkin/Southern Regional) who pitched his second complete game of the year but came away on the losing side of the 2-0 defeat. The Spartans were able to plate the runs in the top of the sixth, while holding the Ospreys to just six hits, two each by Talbot and Nitti.
Schiattarella was dominant scattering six hits, allowing just the two runs, while striking out 11 and walking one. In his first 13.0 innings this year on the hill, the junior has struck out 24 while issuing just two walks.
Stockton will face Neumann University for the last of six straight home games on Tuesday. Game time is scheduled for 3 pm in Galloway.