How It Happened
A seven-run second inning helped Central Michigan jump out to a 12-1 lead after three innings. Rhode Island staged a rally, but it was not enough as the Rams fell 14-7 on the final day of the Spring Games in Madeira Beach.
Facing the prospect of losing via the eight-run rule URI (4-11) battled back in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Gabi Lopez and
Maddie Melice got things started with back-to-back singles down the right field line, and
Jessica Hennelly followed with an infield single to load the bases. A fourth straight single off the bat of
Skyler Rapuano drove Lopez in. After one out,
Sami Villarreal lofted a long fly ball to center to bring Melice home, and
Ari Castillo followed with a three-run home run to left that made the score 12-6, extending the game.
The Rams continued to chip away in the sixth inning. With one out. Lopez and Melice again had back-to-back singles. Rapuano singled to left, allowing Lopez to round third and scored, making the score 12-7.
Cassie Swenson followed with a single up the middle, but Melice was pegged at the plate, ending the threat.
Central Michigan (5-6) padded its lead with two runs in the top of the seventh, and Rhody was unable to score any more despite getting a runner on in the final frame.
Inside the Box Score
- Senior Sami Villarreal singled and drove in one run. She extended her hitting streak to four games and has now reached safely in 12 straight contests.
- Junior Skyler Rapuano excelled in the leadoff spot, delivering two singles, two runs scored and two runs batted in.
- Senior Ari Castillo had a three-run home run, an RBI single and a walk.
- With four RBI in the game, she moved into 19th place in program history with 57 in her career. She needs 15 more to crack URI's top 10.
- Junior Gabi Lopez had two singles and two runs scored as the designated player.
- Sophomore Maddie Melice singled twice and scored one run after entering the game as a pinch hitter.
- Junior Jessica Hennelly singled and scored one run.
- Senior Taryn Collins gave the Rams a solid outing in relief, hurling 3.0 innings and allowing two runs, both of which came on a seventh-inning homer..
What's Next
Rhode Island is scheduled to host Dayton in the first Atlantic 10 series of the season starting with a doubleheader Saturday, March 12.