RISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Baseball team dropped a high-scoring non-conference matchup to WPI, 18–12, on Thursday afternoon at Paolino Field in a game shortened to eight innings due to darkness.
WPI wasted little time jumping ahead, plating four runs in each of the first two innings to build an early 8–1 advantage. The Engineers added three more runs in the third inning, extending the lead to 11–1.
Roger Williams responded in the third inning, scoring three runs to cut into the deficit. The Hawks continued to chip away with two runs in the fourth before erupting for six runs in the fifth inning, pulling within one at 13–12.
The comeback effort was short-lived, as WPI answered with four runs in the sixth inning and added a run in the seventh to regain control and secure the win.
On the mound, Nolan Niziol (Sparta, N.J.) (0-1) took the loss after allowing seven runs, six earned, in 1.1 innings. Dylan Brenner (Andover, Mass.) and Matt Seminara (Succasunna, N.J.) combined to allow nine runs over the next four innings, while Evan Beattie (Saundrstown, R.I.) and Branden Steinberg (Schuylerville, N.Y.) closed out the final frames.
WPI's Luke Blandino (2-2) earned the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings with six strikeouts to close out the game.
At the plate, Roger Williams totaled 11 hits in the contest, highlighted by a six-run fifth inning that nearly completed the comeback.
The Hawks saw performances offensively from Sam Arcieri (Westwood, N.J.), who went 3-for-4 with six RBIs and a walk, and Luke Miele (Wellesley, Mass.), who finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Chris Faraca (Peabody, Mass.) added a double and an RBI, while Jack Tubman (Bellingham, Mass.) drove in a run. Noah Hester (Old Saybrook, Conn.) scored twice and added an RBI in the effort.
For WPI, Jack Zawacki led the way, going 3-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, and seven RBIs. Jonathan Lattimer finished a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBIs, while Jacob Wiberg added three hits and an RBI. Liam Keblin scored three times and collected two hits, and James DiGiovanni drove in three runs.
Roger Williams (12-13, 5-5 CNE) will travel to face Suffolk on Saturday, Apr. 18 at 12:00 pm in a CNE doubleheader, the Hawks will then take on Endicott on Tuesday, Apr. 21 at 3:30 pm.
