Never mind that the No. 2 and No. 6 nationally ranked NJCAA Division III softball teams were about to take the field in a classic battle Thursday.

The only incentive RCSJ's Roadrunners needed, according to head coach Steve DePasquale, was the fact his team was playing Brookdale on the road.

The doubleheader match-up lived up to its billing. In a classic pitching dual in Game 1, the No. 2 Jersey Blues eeked out a 1-0 triumph. In game two, the No. 6 Runners used a 6-run sixth inning eruption to carve out a 9-4 victory for the split.

"The national rankings are nice, but when it's RCSJ vs. Brookdale, that's the only incentive we need," said DePasquale, who has coached in dozens of these battles over the years. "This is a match up we look forward to every season."

The Runners gained the split in Game 2 thanks the hot bats of rightfielder Flynn Blessing, who delivered 4 RBIs, catcher Morgan Fitzpatrick (3-run homer) and third baseman Julia Petroski (three hits), all of whom contributed to the offensive assault in the sixth inning.

Winning pitcher Gemma Galloway earned the victory in relief of sophomore Janiece Robles, who hurled 4 2/3 gutsy innings despite being sick.

"We weren't even sure Janiece would star the game until the last minute," said DePasquale. "She was sick the night before and still had a sore throat coming up here. But she gave us a great effort as did Gemma, and that made the difference."

In Game 1, Galloway hurled six magnificent innings, but her effort fell short in a 1-0 loss as the Runner could not muster up an offense.

The Runners improved to 20-10 overall and 5-1 in the GSAC with the split and will take on Middlesex College in a twinbill Saturday before traveling to Suffolk CC Sunday for another doubleheader. Brookdale's overall mark now stands at 14-4.