Brookdale Sweeps Sussex In Baseball Season Opener

Lincroft, NJ - It was the first day of spring, Brookdale's first game, and the first game played on the newly renovated baseball field. With all of the firsts aside, the Jersey Blues opened up their season with a sweep against the Sussex Community College Skylanders, 12-1 and 6-5.

In game one, sophomore winning pitcher Matt Pickus (1-0) led the Blues to victory from the mound for four innings. Pickus only allowed one run and had four strikeouts. Sophomore second baseman Matt Granato went 2-2 at bat, notching four scored runs, and had two stolen bases. 

Outfielder Christian Bauman smashed two hits, including a double, and pulled in two RBI's for the Blues. Freshman catcher Trevor Brey cracked a double in his 2-3 at bats, while adding four runs to the scoreboard. Third baseman Giuseppe Arcuri chalked up the first home run of the year in his 1-3 stint at the plate.

In game two, Brookdale continued to dominate over the Skylanders. Right-handed pitcher Ryan O'Hara (1-0) remained cool on the rubber and got the win in relief. Christian Bauman produced again in game two while hitting 1-3 and clocking a triple for an RBI. Freshman DH Tom Dunleavy went 1-4, adding two RBI's, and freshman shortstop Anthony Brienza ripped one double, had two stolen bases, and added an RBI for the 6-5 win.

Brookdale started their season with a 2-0 record and will be looking for their third win on the road to visit the Camden County College Panthers on Thursday, March 25th.