BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University Baseball team fell to Coast Guard, 7-2, on Thursday afternoon in non-conference action at Paolino Field.
Coast Guard jumped out early, scoring two runs in the first inning after an RBI single from Ayden Gurevich and a Roger Williams error. The Bears added another run in the second on a sacrifice fly from Mason Phillips to take a 3-0 lead.
Roger Williams struggled to generate offense early, going hitless through the first three innings against Coast Guard starter Harrison Milbert. The Hawks finally broke through in the fifth inning when Jack Tubman (Bellingham, Mass.) singled and later came around to score on an RBI groundout by Devin Driscoll (Portsmouth, N.H.), trimming the deficit to 3-1.
Coast Guard responded with a decisive sixth inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues by the Hawks. The Bears plated three runs in the frame, aided by multiple errors, to extend their lead to 6-1 and seize control of the game.
The Bears added an insurance run in the eighth when Carson Cho doubled to left field before Nate Stafford knocked an RBI triple to right-center, pushing the advantage to 7-1.
Roger Williams added a late run in the ninth inning as Chris Faraca (Peabody, Mass.) singled to left field to score Jack Murray (Brookfield, Conn.), but the rally was cut short as Coast Guard closed out the 7-2 victory.
Offensively, the Hawks managed four hits on the day, with Tubman, Sam Arcieri (Westwood, N.J.), Rory Lynch (Easton, Conn.), and Faraca each recording one. Driscoll and Faraca accounted for the team's two RBI.
On the mound, Gianni Mercurio (Newbury, Mass.) took the loss, allowing four runs (two earned) over 5.1 innings, while the bullpen saw appearances from Evan Beattie (Saunderstown, R.I.), Dylan Brenner (Andover, Mass.), and Branden Steinberg (Schuylerville, NY).
Coast Guard finished with eight hits and capitalized on six Roger Williams errors, which proved to be the difference in the contest.
Roger Williams (13-17, 6-7 CNE) will look to bounce back on Saturday, Apr. 25 as they host Wentworth for their senior day doubleheader at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Hawks will then head to Wheaton on Sunday, Apr. 26 for single non-conference game.
