Baseball: Kazalski knocks in 3 RBI as Raiders down Emerson, 9-4

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

(Danvers, Mass.) Behind the second complete-game outing by freshman Corey Cochran (Salem, N.H.), the Rivier University Baseball team earned a come from behind 9-4 victory over Emerson College in a non-conference contest at Saint John's Prep. The win moves the Raiders to 2-8 on the season while the loss sends the Lions to 2-8 overall.

Cochran, who also spun a complete game last week against Baruch College, went all nine innings allowing four runs on twelve hits while striking out seven.

Trailing 4-2 entering the seventh, the Raiders bats came to life. After a single, hit by pitch and a walk to load the bases, freshman Anthony (A.J.) Mele (Nashua, N.H.) smashed a two-run double down the left field line to knot the game at four all. Sophomore Frederick Kazalski (Dracut, Mass.) then lifted a sacrifice fly to center to give the Raiders a lead and senior Jorge Martinez (Methuen, Mass.) doubled home the final run to give Cochran enough for the win.

Rivier then plated three more runs in the top of the ninth as Kazalski, freshman Giovanni Covino (Methuen, Mass) and fellow rookie Jalen Shirley (Fishers, Ind.) all singled home runs for additional insurance.

Kazalski finished the afternoon going 2-for-3 with three RBI and Mele went 2-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored. Martinez also chipped in with a 2-for-5, two RBI, two double showing at the dish and Shirley was the final Raider to record multi-hits as he ended with a 2-for-4, two runs scored and a stolen base night.

Emerson was paced by Quinton Copeland, who collected four hits out of the leadoff spot and C.J. Rogers blasted a two-run home run in the fourth. Nick Rempe kept Rivier off balance through his 4.1 innings of work as he limited the Raiders to just two runs on one hit. Tim Mainella suffered the loss giving up four runs on three hits in just 1.2 innings.

Next up for Rivier will be another non-conference affair as they travel back to the New England Baseball Complex for a 3pm game against Pine Manor College. Emerson will remain in non-conference action as they take on Lasell College on Tuesday, March 19 in their next scheduled contest.