How It Happened
Rhode Island could not slow down the Saint Louis offense as it dropped the series finale 12-2 Sunday afternoon.

After the Rams (5-22, 1-10 Atlantic 10) scored the first two runs of the day in the top of the first, SLU (14-15, 6-2 A-10) scored 12 unanswered runs over its first four at bats to secure the victory via eight-run rule.

Rhody pieced together a two-run rally in the first inning. Skyler Rapuano drew a one-out walk, and Sami Villarreal reached on an error. Ari Castillo grounded into a fielder's choice that retired Villarreal and gave the Rams runners at the corners with two outs.

Rapuano and Castillo executed a double steal for the first run of the day. Castillo drew the throw to second, and Rapuano broke for the plate, crossing to give URI a 1-0 lead. Back-to-back singles from Susan Harrison and Cassie Swenson allowed Castillo to come in to make the score 2-0.

Saint Louis roared back with five runs in the bottom of the inning. Gabbie Kowalik launched a two-run homer to tie the score, and three batters later Cami Newbanks had a two-run double that gave the Billikens a 4-2 lead before any outs were recorded. An RBI single by Jane Kaniecki capped the rally.

Saint Louis added three runs in the second inning and four more in the fourth to put the mercy rule into play. Rhode Island managed to get a runner on base in each of the second, third, fourth and fifth innings, but the Rams did not have any runners advance beyond second base. Rhode Island dropped its 10th straight game overall.  

Inside the Box Scores

• Senior Susan Harrison led Rhode Island offensively, delivering two singles and a walk in her three plate appearances.
• Harrison also had four putouts. She moved into ninth place in program history with 396, passing Kylie Shivery (393 from 2015-18).
• Sophomore Margaux Lesser delivered a pinch-hit single in her lone at bat. She has reached base safely in three straight games, going 2-for-4 with a walk in her last five plate appearances.
• Junior Cassie Swenson singled and drove in one run.
• Junior Skyler Rapuano singled, walked, scored one run and stole one base.
• Rapuano and junior Rachel Zingerman are tied for the team lead with 10 runs scored.
• Rapuano has a four-game hitting streak and has reached safely in five consecutive contests.
• Sophomore Maddie Melice had a single.

What's Next
Rhode Island enters a stretch in which it plays 14 of its next 15 games at the URI Softball Complex. The extended home stand begins with a single game against in-state rival Bryant on Wednesday, April 6 at 4 p.m.