HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The Plattsburgh State baseball team suffered its first loss of the 2026 season on Friday afternoon, falling 1–0 to New Jersey City University in a tightly contested pitchers' duel. The contest marked the first meeting between the two programs in their history.

The Cardinals entered the matchup unbeaten at 5–0 and remained on the road for the neutral-site contest. Both teams were locked in a defensive battle throughout the afternoon as pitching and defense dominated the game.

Plattsburgh's pitching staff delivered a strong performance, limiting New Jersey City's offense and keeping the game scoreless through much of the contest. Junior Jack Castillo (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa) turned in a strong outing on the mound for Plattsburgh despite being saddled with the loss. Castillo pitched 6.0 innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six. The Cardinals matched the Gothic Knights inning for inning, with neither team able to break through offensively in the early frames.

New Jersey City ultimately pushed across the game's only run during the middle innings, capitalizing on a scoring opportunity to take a narrow 1–0 lead. Despite the deficit, the Cardinals continued to apply pressure offensively but were unable to find the timely hit needed to even the score. Plattsburgh had opportunities late in the game but the Gothic Knights' pitching staff held firm, preserving the one-run advantage to secure the victory.

With the loss, the Cardinals fall to 5–1 on the season and will be back in action tomorrow for a road doubleheader against John Jay, with first pitch scheduled for noon.