The New York University baseball team improved to 9-3 on the season with a 6-5 win over visiting St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) on Thursday, March 23, at MCU Park in Brooklyn.

NYU led 2-0 after the first inning of play, but trailed 3-2 in the middle of the third. Colman Hendershot's two-run home run in the bottom of the third gave the Violets a lead they held on to for the remainder of the game.

"This was our first close game of the year where we led throughout the later innings and didn't need to come from behind," said Head Coach Doug Kimbler. "St. Joe's had the momentum late, but we were able to come out on top."

Sal Cammisuli started on the mound for the Violets and earned his first mound victory of the year. The freshman went six strong innings, scattering six hits and giving up three earned runs. 

"Sal is getting better every outing," added Kimbler. "That's what we need from him. We need our starters to keep pitching deeper and deeper into games."

NYU extended its lead to 6-3 after four innings, but the Bears added two in the seventh to cut the margin to one for the remainder of the contest. 

Paul Gadaleta pitched the eighth and got two outs in the ninth for NYU before handing the ball to the squad's closer Matthew Millus. Millus entered the game with runners on first and second base, but was able to get a strikeout to end the game and earn his second save of the season.

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Hendershot finished the day 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of walks. The sophomore had a game-high three RBIs.

- Adrian Spitz continued his impressive senior season, also finishing 2-for-3. Spitz knocked in a pair of runs, as well.

- Jonathan Iaione saved a run in the ninth by throwing out the potential game-tying run at home plate with one out.

The Violets will return to action Saturday when they host Haverford College in a doubleheader at MCU Park. First pitch of game one is slated for noon.