The battle of NJCAA national powers will be on full display this weekend -- and with a local flavor --  starting Friday when No. 2 and defending D III champion RCSJ hosts No. 3 Brookdale CC in the start of a three-game series. First pitch Friday is set for 3:30 pm. Watch for a full preview.

The series will conclude with a doubleheader Saturday at Brookdale.

Ironically, the No. 1 nationally ranked team is another Region 19 titan in Northampton Community College.

But all eyes will be focused on Region 19 this weekend when the Runners host the Jersey Blues Friday, Coach Rob Valli's team enters the clash with an impressive 34-7 overall record fresh off a thrashing of D II power Mercer CC this weekend. The Jersey Blues, meanwhile, enter with an equally impressive 35-4-1 overall mark.

"The national rankings reflect just how strong Region 19 is," said Valli. "We're always ready for a tough battle, and it will be no different vs. Brookdale this weekend."

The Runners have enjoyed solid pitching and hitting all season long. At the plate, center fielder Max D'Alessandro has emerged as one of the nation's top power hitters with 13 home runs, 59 RBIs and a .355 batting average -- and he will have plenty of support from a powerful lineup. On the mound, sophomores Danny Kerr and Tim Hartman, along with freshman lefty Joey Ruffino lead one of the top staffs in the nation.

The Runners will see a familiar face on other side of the diamond in Brookdale's Rocko Brzezniak, who played a key role in helping the Runners to a D III national crown in 2023. Rocko is having another productive campaign with 7 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a .569 batting average.

First pitch Friday is set for 3:30 pm. Live stream at rcroadrunners.com/watch-live.