Mighty Oaks Sweep Union to Close Regular Season, Await Region 19 Seeding

Carneys Point, NJ. - The Salem Community College baseball team closed out its regular season in dominant fashion, sweeping a three-game series from Union College of New Jersey. With the wins, the Mighty Oaks now turn their attention to the NJCAA Region 19 Baseball Tournament, where their seeding will be determined by the outcome of a key matchup between Ocean County College and Montgomery County Community College.

Game One: Salem 11, Union 7

The Mighty Oaks opened the series with an 11-7 victory behind a powerful offensive performance that produced 14 hits. Roman Hernandez led the charge with three hits and an RBI, while Tyler Hacker delivered a huge game, going 2-for-4 with five RBIs.

Cliff Wysinger sparked the offense with three runs scored, a triple, and three walks, while Jason LeBold crossed the plate four times and added two hits. Contributions came throughout the lineup, with seven different players recording RBIs.

On the mound, Seth McCormick set the tone with four strong innings, striking out seven while allowing just two runs. Sean Bogan earned the win in relief, with Nick Reckard and Louie Rivera combining to secure the victory.

Salem also wreaked havoc on the basepaths, piling up stolen bases, including multiple swipes from Roman Hernandez, Wysinger, Tyler Hacker, and LeBold.

Game Two: Salem 16, Union 2

The offense exploded in game two as Salem rolled to a 16-2 win in a game highlighted by patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning. The Mighty Oaks drew an eye-popping 19 walks to go along with 10 hits.

Colin McLaughlin had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs, while Roman Hernandez added two hits and two RBIs. Tyler Hacker continued his standout series with three RBIs, and JJ Pankowski chipped in with a pair of runs scored and an RBI.

Jay Barber set the tone at the top of the lineup with two runs scored and an RBI, while Jackson Austin added a triple as part of the offensive outburst.

On the mound, Pat Seitzinger delivered a strong five-inning outing to earn the win, allowing just two runs (one earned) while striking out four. Joe D'Amato closed the door with two scoreless innings of relief.

Salem's speed remained a major factor, with multiple stolen bases from Barber, Chase Walsh, Roman Hernandez, Wysinger, Hacker, Pankowski, and LeBold.

Game Three: Salem 8, Union 5

The Mighty Oaks completed the sweep with an 8-5 win in the series finale. Cliff Wysinger led the offense with three hits and a run scored, while JJ Pankowski delivered in a big way with two hits and three RBIs.

Jason LeBold added a double and an RBI, and Chase Hortiz chipped in with an RBI as Salem capitalized on timely hitting and continued pressure on the basepaths.

After a competitive start, Tyler Hacker took over on the mound and delivered three strong innings of relief to earn the win, allowing just one unearned run while striking out two. Logan Peters started the game, working 3.2 innings, with Nick Reckard briefly appearing in relief.

Tyler Hacker's incredible season continued throughout the series, as he now leads all of collegiate baseball with 60 stolen bases. His speed and impact on the game have been a driving force behind Salem's success all season long.

With the regular season complete, the Mighty Oaks now await their postseason fate. The outcome of Ocean County College versus Montgomery County Community College will determine Salem's seeding in the Region 19 bracket.

Regardless of where they land, the Mighty Oaks enter the postseason with momentum, confidence, and one of the most dynamic offenses in the region.