ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – A late game rally propelled Rhode Island past the St. Bonaventure University baseball team, 9-5, Friday afternoon at Handler Park.
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The Rams got on the board first in the top of the second with a two-run home run off the bat of Anthony DePino.
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The Bonnies would immediately answer in the bottom half of the inning with a solo shot from
Jackson DeJohn to cut the deficit to 2-1.
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Rhode Island grabbed another run in the third inning, but the Bonnies would respond four runs of their own.
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Artin Biageyian started St. Bonaventure's rally with his second round-tripper of the season in the the third inning.
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St. Bonaventure continued to score, thanks to three runs batted in by
Thomas Grilli to help the Bonnies take a 5-3 advantage.
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That was all
Tripp Breen needed as he ended a fine afternoon on the mound in line for the win.
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Breen tossed six innings and struck out a career-high 10 batters, while only surrendering three runs on six hits.
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However, the Rams offense capitalized as soon as the Bonnies went to the bullpen.Â
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Rhode Island immediately loaded the bases to force another pitching change. Following, St. Bonaventure going to its second reliever, Billy Butler greeted the new arm with a three-run homer over the fence in right field to retake the lead, 6-5.
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The Rams added a run in the eighth and ninth innings.
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The Bonnies made it interesting in the bottom of the ninth, getting the first two guys on base, but the Rams' reliever was able to work out of trouble to secure the 9-5 victory in game one of the three game series.
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Billy Butler led the Rams with two hits and three runs batted in.
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At the plate for St. Bonaventure,
Jack Putney recorded two hits while
Thomas Grilli drove in a team-high three runs.
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Game two of the series will begin at noon tomorrow.
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