Union, N.J. (4/14/11) – Senior Joe Bartlinski edged Wendell Rodriguez in a classic pitchers' duel as the Kean University baseball team defeated New Jersey City University, 1-0, in NJAC action on a beautiful spring afternoon at Jim Hynes Stadium.

 Both pitchers tossed complete games in today's matchup, both allowing just four hits apiece. Bartlinski (3-1) also fanned 11 and walked one while W. Rodgriguez (1-5) struck out five and walked no one in the loss. 

The #3 Cougars (23-4, 6-1 NJAC) scratched across the only run of the contest in the bottom of the eighth inning as junior Eddie Jennings stroked a one-out double. Rookie Tyler Smarslok then lined a single to right-center to advance pinch-runner Joe O'Connor to third. Freshman Shane Alvarez, who entered the game one inning before, then drove in the game's only run with an RBI single to left-center. 

New Jersey City (5-19, 1-6 NJAC) had their best scoring opportunity in the top of the seventh as senior Michael Fiorentino just missed a homerun to leftfield as it hit off the top of the fence for a standup double with two outs. Senior Jordan Tetrick then worked a walk, the only one of the game, for runners at first and second. But Bartlinski was able to strike out outfielder Andrew Rivera to preserve the shutout.

In his last two outings, Bartlinski has recorded two complete game wins, striking out 25 and walking just one while becoming the career record holder in strikeouts.

The two teams will square off again on Friday as Kean travels to New Jersey City for a 3:30 p.m. first pitch.