Baseball earns first ever win over Fisher College

(Lynn, Mass.) For the first time in the five year history of the series between the two programs, the Rivier University Baseball team defeated Fisher College by a 14-7 final score at Fraser Field in Lynn, Mass. The win lifts Rivier's overall record to 5-12 while Fisher falls to 11-14 on the season.

The Raiders jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after the first three innings of action due to a two-out, two RBI single from senior Jeremy Ball (Swanzey, N.H.) in the second and a RBI double from junior Drew Neely (Lakeland, Fla.) along with a bases loaded walk by sophomore Ty Seaton (Providence, R.I.) in the third.

Fisher would battle back with a pair of runs in the fourth as junior Sam Schroder (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.) doubled home sophomore Cody Mercier (Salem, Mass.) and senior Adam Lucey (Malden, Mass.) plated Schroder with a sac fly to left.

Rivier was able to scratch two more runs in the sixth inning off of Fisher starter senior Brian Rosa (Queens, N.Y.) due to a couple of defensive miscues that allowed freshman David Pappalardo (Methuen, Mass.) and Ball to extend the Riv lead to 6-2.

Senior Frederick O'Brien (South Boston, Mass.) would push the Raider lead back to four as he scored on a sac fly by junior Adam Arkell (Dover, N.H.).

Fisher would make things interesting as they were able to knock home three runs in the seventh inning due to a huge communication error by the Raider outfield. With two outs and runners on second and third Rivier Head Coach, and Fisher College alumni, Anthony Perry summoned senior closer Spencer Aguiar (Malden, Mass.) from the bullpen to get out of the jam. Aguiar got Mercier to lift a fly ball to left center that was dropped when the two outfielders collided which allowed two runs to score and Mercier ended up at third. Schroder then singled home Mercier to make it a tight 7-6 ballgame.

However, that would be a close as Fisher would get as Aguiar held the Falcons in check over the final two innings, allowing just one run in the ninth, and the Rivier offense poured on seven runs over that span for the 14-7 final.

Senior Nicholas Pica (Derry, N.H.) earned his second win in as many outings as he tossed 6.2 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on five hits and striking out just one. Aguiar recorded the save by pitching the final 2.1 innings and giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits.

Ball finished the game as the offensive star. He went 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Neely also had a two-hit night with a RBI and senior Taylor Black (West Springfield, Mass.) brought home a pair with his only hit of the ballgame. The Raiders also received RBIs from freshman Brandon Thibault (Methuen, Mass.) and sophomore Tyler Ferdinand (Middleboro, Mass.).

Rosa suffered the loss as he went seven innings allowing seven runs (three earned) on nine hits and striking out four. Junior Kyle Anulao (Peoria, Ariz.) gave up five runs (three earned) in his one inning of work while senior Santi Bigelow (Montpelier, Vt.) allowed two unearned runs in his single frame.

Offensively for Fisher, Schroder went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and Mercier finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored.

Rivier will look to finish the week strong as they get set to battle Lesley University tomorrow evening at the New England Baseball Complex in Northborough, Mass. Game time is set for 7pm. Fisher will host Saint Joseph's College of Vermont for a four game set beginning on Saturday afternoon.