Rain, Records Set Stage for America East Rubber Match in Newark

NEWARK, N.J. (March 21, 2026) (Interstat) — The Albany Great Danes and NJIT Highlanders will conclude a three-game America East Conference series under rainy skies Saturday at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT. The forecast calls for temperatures near 58 degrees with rain.

Albany (2-13) evened the series with a 10-5 victory Friday night. NJIT (6-11) will look to secure the series win on its home field.

The Great Danes will rely on the arm of right-hander Matthew Mariano, the clear player to watch. In his last three starts, Mariano has pitched 18 2/3 innings without allowing a hit. That streak includes 4.0 hitless innings of relief in Friday’s win over the Highlanders. On the season, he has 16 strikeouts over 20.1 innings with a 0.89 ERA.

NJIT’s key contributor is reliever Becker Sybirski. The right-hander provided 2.1 scoreless innings Friday and has been a frequent option out of the bullpen. In 7.2 innings this season, he has eight strikeouts.

Despite Albany’s victory Friday, statistical models favor the Highlanders. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-1 NJIT win, and its ELO rating system gives the Highlanders a 60.2% probability of victory.

The Great Danes’ Friday win snapped a four-game skid. Tre Mariano drove in three runs in the victory.

NJIT has lost four of its last five games. In Friday’s loss, catcher Cole Campbell homered and starter Josh Willitts struck out six over 4.0 innings.

Following Saturday’s series finale, the teams will meet again Sunday at 1 p.m. to close the weekend set.

Projected Starters:

ALB: RHP Matthew Mariano (0-0, 0.89 ERA, 20.1 IP, 16 K) NJIT: To be announced.

Up Next:

Albany hosts Massachusetts on Tuesday. NJIT travels to Bryant for a conference series next Friday.