Baseball rallies for DH split with Norwich

(Rindge, N.H.) The Rivier University Baseball team scored six runs in the seventh inning of game two to earn a split in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference double-header against Norwich University at Pappas Field on the campus of Franklin Pierce University. The Raiders took game two by an 8-5 final after dropping the first game, 5-2. Both teams move to 1-3 in GNAC play on the season while Rivier's overall record now stands at 5-11. Norwich currently sits at 6-7 overall.

Game One: Norwich University 5, Rivier University 2 (Final)

The Raiders were only able to scratch out two runs off of Norwich starter Billy Whaley as Rivier fell in the opening game, 5-2. Whaley tossed a complete game, striking out eight while allowing two runs on four hits.

After surrendering two run in the second inning, senior JJ Montello (Nashua, N.H.) knocked home the Raiders first run with a RBI triple. Classmate David Cusack (Newburyport, Mass.) then produced a RBI groundout to first to bring home Montello to even the score.

However the Cadets were able to plate three runs in the fifth inning to secure the win. Junior Brian Baker finished the game going 2-for-3 to lead the Norwich offense.

Junior Nick Pica (Hampstead, N.H.) suffered the loss as he allowed five runs (three earned) on nine hits in his complete game effort.

Game Two: Rivier University 8, Norwich University 5 (Final)

Trailing once again 5-2 entering the final inning, the Raiders this time exploded for six runs on seven hits as they stole game two from Norwich and earning a split of the DH in the process.

The explosive inning started with sophomore Adam Arkell (Dover, N.H.) singling off the third base bag and moving to second on a wild pitch. After a fly out to left for the innings first out, junior Marc Medeiros (Arlington, Mass.) doubled home Arkell to make it a 5-3 ballgame. Montello then followed that with a double of his own to give the Raiders an opportunity to tie the game. Cusack would smack the first pitch he saw past the diving first baseman to bring home both Medeiros and Montello to knot the game at 5 all. Junior Taylor Black (West Springfield, Mass.) gave Rivier the lead with a RBI triple to right center. Two batters later, junior Jeremy Ball (Swanzey, N.H.) tripled home another run before scoring on a single from sophomore Drew Neely (Lakeland, Fla.).

Senior Lucas Palma (Bristol, Conn.) retired three hitters in order to record his first collegiate save. Junior Spencer Aguiar (Malden, Mass.) was credited with the win, the first of his career, as he struck out the only batter he faced to finish off the sixth inning. Fellow junior Jon Chotkowski (Tewksbury, Mass.) pitched 5.2 innings allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts and did not issue a free pass.

Montello finished the second game going 2-for-4 with 2 RBI as he belted his second home run of the season in the third inning. Black, Arkell and Medeiros all finished with two hits apiece in the win as eight of the starting nine recorded at least one hit.

Norwich's Brain Whaley pitched well over his four innings of work, allowing just the two run homer to Montello and striking out four Raiders. Jacob Muetteries took the loss as he gave up five runs in 2.1 innings of work.

Rivier will enjoy tomorrow off as it is Easter Sunday. They will return to action on Monday evening as they travel down to Providence, Rhode Island for a 5pm GNAC double-header with Johnson & Wales University. Norwich will host Anna Maria on Wednesday for their next scheduled contest.