April 18, 2006

Box Score

Worcester, Mass. - The University of Rhode Island baseball team extended its winning streak to eight games with a 9-2 victory over Holy Cross on Tuesday evening at Fitton Field.  The Rams have won 13 of their last 14 games.

Junior center-fielder Dave Savard led URI with a 2-for-3 showing at the plate with a double, two RBI and a run scored. Junior first-baseman Ryan Cunningham went 3-for-5 at the plate with a run scored. In total, nine different Ram batters accounted for 14 hits.

Rhode Island got going early, putting up three runs in the first frame to take a 3-0 advantage. Junior right-fielder Scott Brown ripped a two-run single to the right side, scoring Savard and senior second-baseman Wayne Russo. Savard singled and Russo followed with a double to start the inning. Later in the inning, sophomore third-baseman Shaun Hagey sent an RBI double to right center, scoring Brown for the 3-0 score.

URI added another run in the second and two more in the fourth to go ahead, 6-0. In the second, Savard laced a double down the left field line, scoring sophomore shortstop Mike O'Malley from first. O'Malley struck out, but reached base on a passed ball. Savard then collected another RBI on a sacrifice fly, while Russo recorded an RBI on a groundout to first to account for the two-run fourth inning.

The Rams scored two runs in the fifth and one more in the seventh to extend their lead to nine. Holy Cross spoiled the shutout with a run in the seventh and another in the eighth to cut the lead to seven (9-2).

Sophomore Jamie Degidio threw six scoreless innings giving up only three hits while striking out nine to earn the win.

The Rams host St. Bonaventure this weekend for a three game series at Bill beck Field in Kingston.  The games are Friday (3:00 p.m.), Saturday (12:00 p.m.) and Sunday (12:00 p.m.).