Baseball: Raiders fall late, drop 10-8 contest to Emerson

Story written and posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director 

MALDEN, MASS. – It was the season opener this afternoon for the Rivier University Baseball team as they returned to action on the road against Emerson College at Maplewood Park. In a classic back-and-forth battle between the ball-clubs, it was a go-ahead three-run home run that made the difference as the Raiders fell to the Lions, 10-8.

Trailing 7-3 entering the top of the 8th inning, Rivier proceeded to plate five runs to take an 8-7 advantage thanks in part to a huge RBI base hit by sophomore Devin Albino (North Smithfield, R.I.). There were also RBI free passes issued to junior Frederick Kazalski (Dracut, Mass.) and sophomore Corey Cochran (Salem, N.H.) that allowed the Raiders to reclaim the lead, their first since scoring twice in the top half of the second inning.

Emerson was able to answer in the home half of the eighth. Sophomore Quinton Copeland (Houston, Texas) connected on his first home run of the season to plate three runs and gave the Lions a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Offensively, the Raiders pounded out 10 hits on the afternoon led by Kazalski, who finished 2-for-4 with a RBI and a stolen base. Senior Tyler Jackson (Hyde Park, Mass.) also finished 2-for-4 on the afternoon and junior Dillon Brady (Middleborough, Mass.) recorded three RBI on his 1-for-3 showing at the dish. Rivier also received a RBI knock from freshman Zachary White (Long Beach, Calif.) and sophomore Jalen Shirley (Fishers, Ind.) went 1-for-2.

Junior Ryan Schaefer (Everett, Mass.) started on the mound for the Raiders and allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits over his 2.1 innings of work. Sophomore Brandon Kelly (Lincoln, R.I.) spun 2.2 innings of one run ball before junior Daniel White (Augusta, Maine) bridged the gap to Cochran by throwing two innings while only allowing two hits.

Emerson saw freshman Thai Morgan (Waldwick, N.J.) go a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBI to bolster the 14-hit attack. Senior Joe Paladino (Bedminster, N.J.) added a 2-for-4, three RBI night from the leadoff spot while both junior Ryan McCahan (San Jose, Calif.) and freshman Matt Nachamie (Merrick, N.Y.) added two-hit games in the win. Nachamie smacked his first collegiate home run in the seventh inning. Copleand finished 1-for-4 with the three-run home run for the Lions.

Sophomore Bryan Simmons-Hayes (Natick, Mass.) was credited with the win as he pitched 1.1 innings of relief giving up just one hit. Junior right-hander Johnny Maffei (Hingham, Mass.) threw effectively over his 5.2 innings of work as the right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and struck out three.

Rivier will return to action next Saturday morning as they battle against Vassar College. The 11am game will be played on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. Emerson is scheduled to play New England College on Thursday afternoon in their next contest.