How It Happened
Rhode Island (2-12, 0-2 Atlantic 10) suffered two losses at the hands of Massachusetts, dropping the team's first two Atlantic 10 games of the season. UMass (4-7, 2-4 A-10) won the opener 10-1 in five innings before rallying in a wild second game, beating Rhody, 12-11.
 
Game 1 – Massachusetts 10, Rhode Island 1 (5 inn.)
The game was tied 1-1 after one inning, but Massachusetts steadily put the game away. The Minutewomen scored single runs in the first and second frames, three runs in the third and fourth innings, and then two more in the fifth inning.

Rhode Island managed just two hits in the game, unable to solve pitcher Jessie DiPasquale. She struck out seven batters and did not allow a hit after the first inning. Ari Castillo's RBI double to drive in Skyler Rapuano in the bottom of the first was the team's last hit of the game.
 
Game 2 – Massachusetts 12, Rhode Island 11
What was a pitching duel early spun into a back-and-forth slugfest late. Rhode Island led 2-1 after four innings, and then the Rams appeared to take control with a four-run rally in the bottom of the fifth to move ahead, 6-1.

Alex Pleasic had a two-run double, Susan Harrison had a sacrifice fly and Hannah DeSousa had a run-scoring single to spark the outburst. However, UMass batted around in the top of the sixth inning, scoring seven runs on seven hits to take an 8-6 lead.

The Rams came right back in the bottom of the sixth. Abby Fenbert reached on a two-base error in the outfield, and Ari Castillo drove her in with a double. Pleasic later launched a two-out home run to put URI back in front, 9-8.

No lead was safe in this one. Massachusetts scored four more runs in the top of the seventh, with the big hit being a bases-loaded triple by C Videtto. Trailing 12-9 in their last at bat, the Rams got a leadoff home run from Desousa, and Margaux Lesser was hit by a pitch, bringing the potential tying run to the plate. Skyler Rapuano reached on a bunt single with one out, and Fenbert followed with a single to left field. Lesser was thrown out at the plate for the second out. Castillo singled to drive in Rapuano and move Fenbert to third. However, a popup ended the game.
 
Inside the Box Score

• Though the games were played at Massachusetts, Rhode Island served as the home team. URI is playing all of its games on the road this season due to field issues at the URI Softball Complex.
• Junior Ari Castillo had two doubles, a single and four runs batted in on the day.
• Senior Hannah DeSousa had three hits in the second game, including a home run. She had two RBI.
• Sophomore Skyler Rapuano scored four times. She doubled, singled twice and walked once in eight plate appearances.
• Redshirt senior Alex Pleasic homered, doubled, drove in four runs and scored twice, all in the second game.
• Redshirt junior Abby Fenbert singled twice and scored a run in the second game.
• Freshman Margaux Lesser doubled, singled and drove in a run in the second game.

What's Next
Rhode Island plays a single non-conference game at Boston College Wednesday, April 7. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m. The game will air on the ACC Network.