FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2008

Anchormen rally past Eagles, 14-5

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. – The Rhode Island College baseball team overcame an early deficit to sweep the second game of a doubleheader, 14-5, against Daniel Webster College this afternoon at Florida College. Junior right fielder Chris O’Connors (North Kingstown, R.I.) paced the Anchormen attack at the plate, turning in a 3-for-3 performance with two RBI.

 Chris O'Connors

            Eight of the starting Rhode Island College starting nine recorded at least one hit as the Anchormen pounded out 16 hits. Junior shortstop Josh Cardoso (Dartmouth, Mass.) went 2-for-3 with a game-high three runs batted in, while senior centerfielder Robert Reyes (Providence, R.I.) and sophomore leftfielder Jared Rossi (Johnston, R.I.) added two hits and a pair of RBI each.

            Facing its first deficit of the season, Rhode Island College scored 13 unanswered runs to quickly erase a 4-1 second inning disadvantage. The Anchormen took the lead for good in the fourth inning, scoring four runs on three hits. Rhode Island College was aided by three Eagles defensive miscues. Junior second baseman Garrett Grenier (North Smithfield, R.I.) singled to centerfield to cap a six-run, eight-hit fifth inning explosion to give the Anchormen a commanding, 13-4, lead.  

            Freshman pitcher Rob Rushton (Freetown, Mass.) earned the victory in his collegiate debut, throwing five innings and giving up three runs on five hits. The rookie right-hander struck out three, while walking just one batter. Sophomore relief pitcher Eric Gelsomino (Johnston, R.I.) pitched the final two frames, striking out two and walking one.

            Rhode Island College returns to action at noon on March 10, when the Anchormen and Mount Union College play a doubleheader at Saint Leo University.