Baseball splits GNAC double dip with Norwich

For Immediate Release:

Contact – Anthony Perry, Rivier University Sports Information Director (603-897-8760 or aperry@rivier.edu)

NCAA Baseball

Rivier University vs. Norwich University

Great Northeast Athletic Conference Double-Header

April 24, 2016

Rivier splits GNAC twin-bill with Norwich

(Nashua, N.H.) The Rivier University Baseball team was able to salvage a split this afternoon in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference double-header with visiting Norwich University at Historic Holman Stadium. The split moves the Raiders to 10-24 overall and 4-8 in the conference while the Cadets slide to 4-27 and 2-10 GNAC.

Game One: Norwich University 4, Rivier University 3 (Final)

Sophomore Charlie Savard (Tyngsboro, Mass.) threw his second consecutive complete game however it wasn't enough as the Cadets were able to sneak out a 4-3 game one win. Savard allowed just four runs (three earned) on nine hits while striking out three.

Sophomore Tyler Ferdinand (Middleboro, Mass.) went 3-for-4 with a RBI at the plate and senior Taylor Black (West Springfield, Mass.) added a perfect 2-for-2 day at the dish to lead the Raider offense. The three hits for Ferdinand pushed him past the 50 hit mark becoming the first to do so in a Raider uniform.

Drew Caldwell paced the offensive effort for Norwich as he went 3-for-3 with a double. Brian Baker, Jacob Barlow and Mike Lesco all added RBI base knocks in the win.

Brian Whaley was tabbed with the start and he threw just three innings. Matt Paze entered in relief and was credited with the win after tossing two innings of one hit ball. Baker then pitched a 1-2-3 seventh for his third save of the season.

Game Two: Rivier University 3, Norwich University 0 (Final)

With their hopes for a second consecutive playoff appearance on the line, the Raiders received a complete game two hitter from senior Nicholas Gagnon (Providence, R.I.) as Rivier took the nightcap by a 3-0 final.

Making his first start of the season, Gagnon was efficient over the seven frames. He allowed just those two hits and struck out only one for his first win.

Senior Jeremy Ball (Swanzey, N.H.) went 2-for-3 with a long double and RBI while junior Jacob Rayner (Billerica, Mass.) also added a RBI on his 2-for-3 night. Senior Frederick O'Brien (South Boston, Mass.) went a perfect 2-for-2 with a RBI to help the Raiders stay alive in the playoff chase.

Only Eddie Gates and Kyle Lamorey were able to record hits off of Gagnon for Norwich. Kaleb Smith suffers the loss after allowing all three run on seven hits.

Rivier will travel across town tomorrow afternoon for a date with Daniel Webster College. Game time is scheduled for 3pm. Norwich will travel to Lyndon State on Tuesday in their next scheduled contest.