April 20, 2007

Box Score

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Rhode Island rallied for an 8-5 win on St. Bonaventure on Friday in the first game of the teams' Atlantic 10 Conference series at Fred Handler Park.

The Bonnies led 5-3 after scoring twice in the third inning, once in the fourth and two more times in the fifth. But Rhode Island regained the lead for good with three runs in the seventh. The key hit was a two-run home run by Eric Larson against Bonnies reliever Josh Perkins.

The Rams added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the ninth, which was plenty for relief pitcher Jamie DeGidio. DeGidio (2-2) shut out the Bonnies over the game's final 4-2/3 innings to earn the win.

Perkins (0-3) suffered the loss. He allowed three runs in one inning of work. Bonnies starter Michael Proctor went 5-2/3 innings and surrendered three runs on seven hits.

The Bonnies had 10 hits on the day led by a 2-4 performance by senior first baseman Brian Pellegrini. The All-America candidate broke St. Bonaventure's all-time mark for doubles with the 53rd of his career, topping the mark of 52 set by Eric Wilson.

Sophomore second baseman Kevin Suminski hit the first home run of his career, a two-run shot to left field in the third inning. He finished 1-5. Sophomore designated hitter Tristan Mulcahy went 3-3 while junior right fielder T.J. Pennino went 2-4 with one RBI.

St. Bonaventure fell to 5-7 in the A-10 and 13-17 overall while Rhode Island improved to 6-7 in conference play and 9-22 overall.

Game two of the series is set for Saturday at noon.