ASTON, Penn. (April 21, 2026) – The Neumann University baseball team scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning, moments after Rutgers University-Camden had tied the game, to post an 8-7 victory over the Scarlet Raptors in a non-conference game here Tuesday.
 
Neumann improved to 16-11-1, while Rutgers-Camden fell to 15-20.
 
Trailing, 7-5. with one out in the ninth inning, Scarlet Raptor junior second baseman Austin Dubler singled and sophomore designated hitter Jack Slusarski walked. One out later, sophomore shortstop Chris Smith singled home Dubler and freshman pinch-runner Cameron Stephenson scored the tying run on a throwing error, setting the stage for Neumann's winning rally in the bottom of the ninth.
 
The Knights didn't waste any time breaking the tie in the bottom of the ninth. A single by freshman third baseman Jackson Armiger and a hit batsman set the stage for fifth-year designated hitter Andrew Brown, a former Scarlet Raptor, who loaded the bases with a bunt single. Sophomore right fielder Yoan Feliz followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, plating Armiger with the winning run.
 
In a game where lead changes were almost as frequent as New Jersey potholes, the Scarlet Raptors scored a first-inning run when sophomore right fielder Gavin McCaffrey drew a leadoff walk, advanced to third base on a ground out and a fly out and scored on a single by junior center fielder Jacob Watson.
 
The Knights struck back with three runs in the bottom of the second inning on four hits, taking the lead on a two-run single by Armiger.
 
As quickly as they fell behind, the Scarlet Raptors grabbed the lead again with a four-run third inning, aided by four hits, a walk and a hit batsman. McCaffrey and Slusarski sandwiched singles around a walk to Dubler, loading the bases with no outs. Watson picked up an RBI when he was hit by a pitch, while also picking up a new single-season program record: it was his 18th time reaching base as a hit batsman this season, breaking the old program mark of 17 he shared with Shaune Collins, who set the standard in 2012. Smith stroked a two-run single and sophomore third baseman Michael McGinley singled home another run.
 
The Knights notched a run in the third inning and regained the lead with a three-run fourth on four hits and a pair of sacrifice flies. Neumann retained its 7-5 lead into the ninth inning, setting the stage for a wild finish.
 
Smith led the Scarlet Raptors with a 3-for-5 game, collecting three RBIs and scoring one run. Watson went 1-for-4 with two RBIs, while McCaffrey and Dubler both had one hit and scored twice at the top of the batting order.
 
Armiger led Neumann with a 4-for-4 day, scoring three runs and collecting two RBIs.
 
Senior Gavin Cunard (1-2) took the loss in relief, working one-third of an inning and allowing two hits, one hit batsman and one run.
 
Neumann's fifth reliever, sophomore Rey Carrier, collected the win in one inning of work, allowing two hits and two unearned runs. He walked one and struck out three while evening his record at 2-2.
 
The Scarlet Raptors return to action on Thursday with a New Jersey Athletic Conference game at nationally-ranked Kean University.