How it Happened
Rhode Island was unable to come up with the tying run late as the Rams dropped their season opener at Sam Houston 3-2 Friday night.

The Rams (0-1) led for the majority of the night, thanks to a two-run home run from Rob Butler in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Anderson reached on a one-out double just before Butler drilled a shot to left field for a 2-1 lead.

With starter Sean Sposato keeping the Sam Houston offense at bay, the lead stood until the bottom of the seventh. Sposato departed after six strong innings, but the Bearkats struck for a pair in the bottom of the seventh. Jake Tatom reached on an error with one out. After a fly out, Lane Brewster hit a long home run to center, putting Sam Houston up, 3-2.

The Rams looked poised to respond immediately in the top of the eighth when they loaded the bases with no outs. Eric Genther singled and moved into scoring position on a throwing error. Addison Kopack was intentionally walked, and Billy Butler reached on an error to set up a promising situation.

However, pitcher Chandler David recorded an infield pop up, a strikeout and a routine fly ball to thwart the scoring threat. Braden Davis came on for the ninth inning. He allowed a one-out walk to URI's Ryan King, but then Davis got a strikeout and routine grounder to close out the game.
 
Inside the Box Score

• Redshirt junior Sean Sposato was strong in the start. He allowed just one earned run and struck out eight batters while scattering four hits.
• Redshirt sophomore Rob Butler was 2-for-4 with a home run and single. The long ball was the fifth of his career.
• Sophomore Eric Genther reached base three times in five plate appearances. He singled twice and walked once.
• Freshman Michael Anderson singled and scored a run in his collegiate debut.
• Leadoff hitter Mark Coley singled once.
• Rhode island left nine runners on base and were just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Up Next
Rhode Island and Sam Houston play the middle game of a three-game series Saturday at 4 p.m.