Lance & Linzer Shine as the Lions Sweep Double Header

The Lions swept Onondaga CC Saturday at Diamond Nation. In Game 1 Raritan Valley overcame a 9-0 deficit to win 12-11 in 9 innings. RV took the night cap by a score of 8-1 behind a strong performance from Ben Linzer who pitched a complete game. 

Bats blistered as the Lions collected 8 hits and Onondaga matched them in the high-scoring game. After giving up nine runs in the top of the fourth, the Lions answerd back with two in the bottom half of the frame and one run in the fifth. RVCC flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the sixth rallying for eight runs on thee hits. Nick Sellitti got the rally going mashing the first pitch he saw for a home run to left field. Jesse Lance led the team with two hits in four at-bats, including the game winning walk-off knock in the bottom of the 9th. 

Anthony DeNora earned the win for RVCC. The freshman righty surrendered three hits and one run over three innings. Ryan Hutchins opened the game and Nico Pachamango and Ethan Flynn each appeared out of the bullpen. 

In the second game of the double header the Lions were first to get on the board in the second inning when Ryan Hutchins hit an inside-the-park home run, scoring three runs. Freshman first-basemen Andrew Kessler led the team with two hits in three at-bats. Tommy Baase and Ben Hernandez each stole two bags. 

Ben Linzer earned the win for Raritan Valley. The freshman righty gave up six hits and one run, striking out four and walking none in his complete game victory. The lions defense turned one double-play and commited zero errors.

With this sweep the Lions advance to 3-1 in the early season and on-top of the Region XIX standings. There next games are tomorrow (Sunday 3/8/2026) at Diamond Nation. The opponent will be Orange County CC of Region XV.