MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The Neumann University Baseball team started off the 2012 season going 2-2 at the DIII Northeast Challenge / Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The Knights came out on strong on Friday with wins over Rutgers-Newark, 13-5, and St. Joseph's College – Brooklyn, 11-7. Russ Gilliam picked up his first win of the season over the Scarlet Raiders, going 5.2 innings. Gilliam allowed only four runs and struck out 10 batters. Derrek Etsell and Kevin Flanigan would both score three times to lead Neumann.

Matthew Smith would also walk away with his first win of the season over the Bears after pitching six innings for Neumann. Smith would allow only one run, striking out seven batters. Johnny Pritts lead the Knights with two runs and one hit.

Saturday's doubleheader against Ramapo College came as more of a challenge for Neumann. With losing scores of 11-6 and 3-0, the Knights struggled to keep up with the Roadrunners. In game one, Matt Spillman pitched four innings allowing five runs and struck out four batters. Buddy Elgin led Neumann with three hits in four at-bats. In game two, Patrick O'Leary pitched 4.1 innings striking out one.

Neumann will travel to Washington College (Md.) on Saturday for non-conference action. The game is slated to begin at 2:00 PM. 

Box Score - Rutgers-Newark
Box Score - St. Joseph's- Brooklyn
Box Score - Ramapo (1)
Box Score - Ramapo (2)