The West Essex Knights Varsity Baseball team defeated the Teaneck Highwaymen in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 State Tournament on Monday, May 21 by a score of 6-1.

The scoring opened up in the 1st inning, when the Knights put up two runs thanks to a RBI triple from senior Max Ruvo and sacrifice bunt by freshman Vin Panzarino. In the 3rd inning, senior Ben Ruvo scored off an overthrow from the catcher to make the score 3-0 Knights. Later in the 5th, Panzarino would score again, hitting a 2 run homer, sending Max Ruvo and himself home. Senior Matt Cesare later would add to the score, hitting a double and eventually stealing home. Team captain Ian McLaughlin was the winning pitcher, striking out eight batters and allowing only two hits.

The next game in the tournament will be against Wayne Hills on Thursday at 4 p.m. on the varsity field, where the Knights will try and advance to the State Semifinals.