DARTMOUTH, Mass. — The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth pitching staff issued a season-high 11 walks, including five in the decisive seventh inning, and Rhode Island College took full advantage of the extra base runners to earn a 7-4 victory this afternoon in a NCAA Division III baseball game at UMassD Baseball Field.
The Anchormen swept the home and home series to even their overall record at 8-8, while the Corsairs suffered their fourth loss in their past five games to fall to 3-9 on the campaign.
UMass Dartmouth limited Rhode Island College to just six total hits on the afternoon, but the Anchormen benefitted from receiving 12 free passes, on 11 walks and a hit batter, to first base to spark their offense.
The Corsairs tried to overcome their lack of control on the mound with a 10-hit offensive attack. Senior
Jose Vasquez (Roxbury, Mass.) extended his three-game hitting streak with a season-high three hits and a run scored to lead the hosts. Classmate
JR DiSarcina (Barnstable, Mass.) also registered multiple hits, including RBI single in the fourth to give the hosts a 3-2 advantage. Graduate student
Mitch Baker (Braintree, Mass.) went 1-for-2 with a run-producing double in the third
Tied at 3-all in the seventh, Rhode Island College seized control of the contest without producing a hit. UMass Dartmouth walked the bases loaded with one out, and the visitors regained their lead on a passed ball. The Corsairs proceeded to issue two consecutive base-on-balls to plate another run. Rhode Island College capped the decisive four-run inning by scoring on a wild pitch and RBI groundout.
Sophomore
Matt Seavey (North Attleboro, Mass.) made his first collegiate start for UMass Dartmouth and allowed three hits and two runs, only one of which was earned, over three innings. Junior
Chase Stafford (Somerset, Mass.) suffered the loss, falling to 0-3 on the season.
Sophomore Colin Gauthier (Pawtucket, R.I.) was summoned from the bullpen in the fourth inning and hurled two and a third scoreless innings to earn the victory (1-0). Senior Tyler Shemick (Foster, R.I.) retired all six batters he faced to earn his first save of the season.
UMass Dartmouth will return to action at 12pm on Thursday, April 15, when the Corsairs travel to Plymouth State University for a Little East Conference doubleheader. Fans can watch all the action live on Littleeast.tv.
