VINELAND, NJ - The NCC baseball team split a conference doubleheader on Sunday vs. nationally-ranked Cumberland County College, dropping game one 4-3 and then taking the nightcap, 7-3.

In game one, the Spartans led 3-0 entering the bottom of the 6th inning but the Dukes struck for 4 runs on a double, two bunt singles and a bases clearing triple by Javier Pepin.  Pepin then scored what proves to be the winning run off a hit up the middle that deflected off pitcher Jake Ruch, before Preston Koehler could make the play at first.  NCC went down 1, 2, 3 in the top of the 7th as Cumberland earned the come from behind victory.

Northampton opened the scoring in the 2nd inning when Mike Tenaglia and Jon DeJesus each singled to open the frame and advanced to 2nd and 3rd on a wild pitch.  Tenaglia scored on a RBI single from Preston Kohler (1 for 3, RBI), and DeJesus scored when Kyle Dauscher reached based on an error, putting NCC up 2-0.

NCC tacked on another run in the 5th inning when Rich Eilenberger singled with two outs, advanced to second on a passed ball and then scored on a RBI single from Elliott Freeman (1 for 3, RBI), making the score 3-0.

Jake Ruch (2-2) took the loss, going 6 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 earned runs, striking out 9 and walking 2.

In game two, NCC scored 5 runs in the top of the 3rd inning and never looked back in taking the 7-3 victory.  Matt Smith picked up his first win of the season, going 5 innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 earned run and striking out 5.  Cody Klinger, Taylor Magditch and Aaron Barry each came on in relief, with Barry earning his 1st save of the season.

Jon DeJesus was 2 for 3, including a RBI in in the Spartan's big 5th inning, while DJ Williams was 1 for 3 with a run scored.

NCC moves to 3-1 in Region XIX and 8-10 overall.

7th ranked Cumberland falls to 11-3 in Region play and 17-5 overall.

Northampton returns to action on April 5th when they host Lehigh Carbon Community College.