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Newark, NJ – Wagner posted a 7-3 victory over the NJIT Highlanders in the series opener on Friday evening in Newark, NJ.

With the victory, the Seahawks extend their winning streak to three straight as they improve to 15-12-1 on the season while NJIT falls to 15-12-1.

Senior C Nick Dini (Monroe Township, NJ/Monroe Township) was one of three Seahawks to record two hits in the contest, as Dini recorded a season-high 4 RBIs, two coming on a third inning two-run homerun.  Senior CF Trey Nicosia (State College, PA/State College Area) and junior LF Ben Ruta (West Windsor, NJ/West-Windsor Plainsboro South) also had multi-hits on the evening.

Sophomore right-hander Nolan Long (Waterford, CT/Waterford {South Kent Prep]) tossed six solid innings of four-hit ball while striking out five Highlander hitters en route to his first win of the season. Junior left-hander Paul Mammino (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) and senior RHP Anthony Battaglia (Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph By The Sea) combined to throw three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just three hits. 

Dini recorded the first of his four RBIs in the top of the first inning as he sent a single through the left side, scoring Nicosia from second to give the Seahawks a 1-0 lead. Dini proceeded to steal second successfully for his team-leading ninth stolen base.

Wagner tacked on a run in the top of the second as Nicosia singled to left field scoring freshman 3B Sean Mazzio (West Chester, PA/Salesianum School [DE]) from second base.  After a 1-2-3 inning from Long, in which he needed only five pitches, Ruta singled through the right side to kick off the top of the third.  Facing a 0-1 pitch, Dini delivered his third RBI of the night as he smashed a homerun to give Wagner a 4-0 advantage.

With two outs in the frame, Mazzio singled which setup Yesko, who connected on his first homerun of the year and gave the visitors a 6-0 lead after three innings of play.  Dini added his fourth RBI of the game when he grounded to second to plate reigning Northeast Conference (NEC) Player of the Week, Nick Mascelli (Clifton, NJ/Seton Hall Prep).

NJIT was able to score three runs in the bottom half of the fifth on four hits as Jesse Uttendorfer doubled to left center, scoring Matt McKinnon and Cody Kramer.  The Highlanders added one more run to cut the deficit to 7-3 as Mike Rampone delivered an infield single to third base, scoring Johnny Malatesta.

Wagner and NJIT will square off tomorrow, April 18, at Richmond County Bank Ballpark as these two teams will play two, seven innings games, with first pitch slated for 1:00 pm. 

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