Centerfielder Jake Catalano and designated hitter Alex Gattinelli proved to be a lethal combination at the top of RCGC's lineup Saturday afternoon against Garden State Athletic Conference rival Brookdale.
The second and third hitters for coach Rob Valli, the duo combined for six hits and six RBIs in Game 2 as the Runners held on for a 12-8 triumph and a sweep of the key Region XIX doubleheader of national JUCO powers. The Runners (19-3, 4-1) entered the twinbill No. 3 in the NJCAA Division III national rankings while the Jersey Blues (21-5) checked in at No. 5.
Gattinelli struck a big blow when he launched a home run during RCGC's seven-run explosion in the bottom of the fourth inning. He finished with two hits and four RBIs. Catalano, meanhwile, contributed four hits and two RBIs.
The Runners built a 10-3 lead and hung on in the late innings for the triumph.
Jack Billings earned the victory with 2 2/3 innings of work, improving his record to 2-1. Erick Duran earned his first save of the season, turning in two innings and striking out three.
In Game 1, Lorenzo Morello, Mitchell Peers and Dauri Genao drove in two runs apiece to lead a 10-4 triumph. Morello finished three hits to lead the offensive assault.
The Runners exploded for five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break open a 1-run contest into a 10-3 lead.
Winning pitcher Mike Biasiello hurled 6 2/3 innings, striking out 11 and allowing no hits.
RCGC improved to 19-3 overall and 4-1 within the conference. They will visit Middlesex County College on Tuesday in a 3 pm start.