WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Ramapo (N.J.) College remained undefeated by shutting out the Westfield State University baseball team, 5-0, at Chain of Lakes Park on Saturday morning, March 17.

The Owls finished their southern swing with a 4-6 record. Westfield is scheduled to begin an eight-game homestand when it hosts Elms College in its northern opener on Tuesday, March 20, at 3:30. Ramapo, which participated in the NCAA Tournament last season, is 6-0.

Despite the setback to the New Jersey power, the Owls received a solid pitching performance from freshman Mike Molta of Nantucket. In his first collegiate start, the 6-0, 170-pound righthander allowed no earned runs, four hits and one walk and struck out nine in six complete innings.

Ramapo scored two unearned in the first inning on two Owl throwing errors following fairly difficult fielding plays. The first two batters reached safely on the miscues, with the second error came on a sacrifice bunt. Following a double steal, Molta struck out the No. 3 and No. 4 batters then catcher Matt Hancock lined a two-run single to right-center field.

Ramapo scored an unearned run in the sixth inning to take a 3-0 lead. The leadoff hitter reached safely on a passed ball after striking out. Hancock then hammered an apparent triple to right-center field. He was credited with an RBI but was ruled out on an appeal play after missing second base to turn the three bagger into a single.

Westfield was outhit, 8-7. Freshman Jeremy Tanguay of Huntington (Gateway Regional HS) was 2 for 3. Hot-hitting Kevin Greene (Worcester/Holy Name HS) was 2 for 4 with a double.

Ramapo pitcher Travis Zilg went the distance. He allowed one walk and struck out four in the nine-inning game.