Lions Win Two Games Against Ulster, Improving Record to 7-2

The RVCC Lions opened up their home field for the 2026 season with a double-header sweep of SUNY-Ulster. The Lions were victorious in the first game by a score of 7 to 4. Sophmore righty Ray Nault pitched a complete game, winning his second game of the season. Game 2 was an offensive showdown between the two teams, the Lions cam out on top by a score of 14 to 10. Sophmore transfer Jesse Lance lead the Lions offense in both games by going 5-for-7 on the day and driving in eight runs. 

In Game one the Lions struck first when freshman Ryan Hutchins walked with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the second the Lions scored three times, Jesse Lance drove in two on a single. With men on in the bottom of the fifth Robby Wright stole home to give the Lions a 5 to 4 lead. RVCC showed good patience at the plate, piling up eight walks in the game. Tommy Baase and Ben Hernandez each walked twice. Sophmore catcher Joey Sanchez went 2-for-3 and Teddy Garcia stole four bases.

Ray Nault earned the win for Raritan Valley. The sophmore allowed four hits and four runs (one earned) over seven innings of work. He struck out four and walked one. 

RVCC began Game 2 the same way as Game 1, with a bases loaded walk. This time by Jesse Lance. The team's offense exploded in the bottom of the second scoring eight runs on seven hits. Teddy Garcia doubled and Antony DeNora roped a single each driving in one run. Jesse Lance extended the rally with a two run single. Ethan Flynn, Ben Hernandez and Teddy Garcia were each struck by a pitch, driving in runs. 

Joey Sanchez earned the win for RVCC. Sanchez gave up nine hits and six runs (five earned) over his two and two-thirds innings if work, striking out two and walking one. Ryan Hutchins started the game for the Lions. The righty gave up five hits and three earned runs in three innings. Anthony DeNora also appeared in relief surrendering one hit. 

The Lions collected tweleve hits in the game. Jesse Lance, Anthony DeNora, Teddy Garcia and Ryan Hutchins each has two hits. The team also worked another eight walks, Baase and Hernandez again with two. RVCC defense turned two double plays in the game. 

The Lions take the field again tomorrow as the welcome Rockland CC for a double header. Game 1 will begin at noon and Game 2 should begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game. The games will be played on campus.