April 29, 2011

Box Score

KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island baseball team rallied back from a three-run eighth-inning deficit to post a 9-8 victory over Temple on Friday afternoon. Redshirt junior Jeff Cammans recorded the game-winning hit when he doubled to right center to plate redshirt sophomore Pat Fortunato in the bottom of the ninth.

Juniors Mike LeBel and Greg Annarummo each finished with two hits and two RBI on the day while classmate Milan Adams also drove in a pair of runs.

On the mound, junior starter Anthony Pisani cruised through seven innings, giving up just three hits and not allowing a runner to advance beyond second base. However, he left the game with bases loaded in the top of the eighth and, from there, the Owls went on to score six runs on four hits to take their first lead of the game (6-3) and end Pisani's streak at 20.1 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.

The lead was short lived though as Rhody (24-17, 10-6) came back with five runs in the bottom of the inning. Freshman Jeff Roy got things started with his team-leading 13th bunt single of the season before Cammans was hit by a pitch and senior Kenny Burns was walked. Annarummo then ripped a two-run single up the middle to get the Rams within one and LeBel followed with a bases clearing triple before scoring on Adams' sacrifice bunt to put Rhody in front 8-6.

However, Temple (21-18, 3-10) came back again - this time using a pair of RBI singles to even the score at 8-8. But that would be as close as the Owls would get as Fortunato led off the ninth with a single to center, advanced to second on a sac-bunt by Roy and went on to score the game-winning run on Cammans' one-out double.

Redshirt sophomore Rob Curran earned the win for Rhode Island, while Temple's Steve Nikorak was charged with the loss.

The Rams and Owls return to Bill Beck Field tomorrow afternoon, for URI's annual Autism Awareness game. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. But pregame festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with Cat Country (WCTK, 98.1 FM) on hand to provide music and activities for those in attendance. Inflatable obstacle courses, face painting and temporary tattoos will be available, as well as snacks and beverages. There will also be a silent auction with a number of item to bid upon. All proceeds from the day will be donated to The Autism Project of Rhode Island and will benefit local children by providing new services and additional training for the teachers and professionals who care for individuals affected by Autism.