#2 nationally ranked Dukes sweep Middlesex

VINELAND- This past weekend, the RCSJ-Cumberland Dukes baseball team completed a 3-game sweep over the Middlesex County College Blue Colts. The Dukes now have an overall record of 25-5 and in the latest NJCAA polls are the #2 ranked team in the country.

Game 1 would see the Cumberland offense continuously put up runs on the Blue Colts, inning after inning. The dukes scored atleast 1 run, 6 out of the 8 innings of play. Kevin Merrone had a career day at the plate. Merrone went 3 for 4 with 5 RBI's, and 2 of his 3 hits were via the long ball. He also scored 4 times. Also getting in on the offensive action was Matt Shepherd, Will Gamble, Mike Guzzardo, and Ben Maiers. Each of these players contributed atleast 1 RBI and a hit in the matchup. Andrew Simone and Andrew Slade combined to not allow any earned runs (1 run total). The two right handed pitchers also combined for 8 strikeouts and 2 walks. The final score for game 1 would be 11-1 with the mercy rule taking effect. Simone earned the win and now is 7-0 on the 2022 season.

For game 2 and 3 of the series, the Dukes would travel north to Edison, New Jersey to finish the series vs the Blue Colts. Mike Guzzardo went 3 for 4 with 3 RBI's. Jack Peacock and Ben Maiers also collected 2 hits. Casey Vaughan, Matt Shepherd, Kevin Merrone, and Peacock would also contribute an RBI in the win 9-3 victory. Jake Kennealy got the start on the mound and went 4.1 innings before turning it over to John Liberio who would pitch the remainder of the game. Kennealy gave up 2 earned runs (3 total) while striking out 3 batters and surrendering 1 walk. Liberio didn't allow a run and struck out 2 opposing batters.

Cumberland would complete the sweep in game 3 with a 5-3 victory over Middlesex. Jacob Shapley would go the distance, completing all 7 innings on the mound. Shapley gave up 3 earned runs while striking out 5 batters. He would scatter 6 Blue Colts hits and earned the win to now go 5-0 on the year. Shepherd, Merrone, and Vaughan would all rack up atleast 1 RBI. James Hallman would also add an RBI. 

The Dukes next matchup will be when they travel to Sewell, NJ to take on the #1 ranked RCSJ-Gloucester Roadrunners on Friday (4/8). Game 1 will be a 3:00PM start. Cumberland will then host the Roadrunners on Saturday (4/9) for a doubleheader beginning at 12PM.