Photo from GoRhody.com: Tyler Brosius throws a pitch
This past weekend in Texas didn’t end in Rhode Island baseball’s favor, but they were able to walk away with a win, ultimately losing the series 2-1.
Lamar University starting pitcher junior Trevin Michael was perfect through the first four and a third innings until University of Rhode Island’s first baseman junior Xavier Vargas launched a booming home run over the right-field fence to knot the game at one.
Junior Jackson Coutts put the Rams ahead 2-1 with a home run of his own in the top of the seventh. Freshman Alex Rameriez then added a triple of his own, driving in senior Greg Cavalerie.
“Trevin was an absolute stud tonight so that was great to see,” said Cardinal’s Head Coach Will Davis. Michael finished the night going seven innings while striking out 10 Rams.
Rhode Island starting pitcher, redshirt sophomore Justin Cherry was just as impressive. Cherry and Michael combined for 11 strikeouts and zero walks through the first three innings.
After the Rams took the lead with the Coutts home run in the seventh, Lamar responded. Junior Rhett McCall and redshirt sophomore Kelby Weyler both were able to draw walks to start the rally. They were then subsequently driven in when junior Avery George reached on an error by Rhode Island sophomore third baseman Mark Coley. Ultimately, Cherry threw six and a third innings, while striking out seven and walking away with a no-decision. The Rams dropped.
Saturday was more of the same for Rhody. They kicked the scoring off in the top of the second when junior Austin White singled down the third base line to score senior Sonny Ulliana. Mark Coley, after getting down in the count 0-2, drew a walk to score redshirt junior Josh Brodeur and putting Rhode Island up 2-0. The Cardinals answered with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning to knot the game at two.
A single by George brought home sophomore, Reese Durand to put the Cardinals up 3-2 at the end of four.
The top of the sixth is when Lamar opened the game up. Senior J.C. Correa singled to left plating two, while Durand continued his hot night with a bases loaded triple that sent three Cardinals to score, putting the game out of reach for Rhode Island at 8-2.
Senior Vitaly Jangols got the ball for game three and got off to a rocky start allowing two runs in the first five innings before being relieved by senior Jake Walker. However, the Rhody scored four unanswered runs behind a fielder’s choice by Brodeur, a single by Coutts, and a single by freshman Tino Salgado who earned his first collegiate hit. Redshirt sophomore Joe Fortin later came around to score on a passed ball. Freshman and Rhode Island native Sean Sposato earned the win in an inning and a third of relief.
Up next for Rhode Island will be an away trip to College Park, Maryland to face off with Big Ten power Maryland. Game one is Friday at 4 p.m. Game two is Saturday at 2 p.m. and game three is Sunday at 1 p.m. to finish off the three-game series.