University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
Rhode Island
Rams Down Minutemen 3-1 In Pitchers' Duel
May 18, 2006 | Baseball
May 18, 2006
KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island Rams (32-14, 17-7 Atlantic 10) edged the Minutemen (14-28, 11-14 A-10) 3-1 in a classic pitchers' duel on Thursday afternoon. Ram starter Steve Holmes improved 10-1 on the season, pitching a complete game, allowing just an unearned run on five hits while striking out five. UMass junior starter Chris Lloyd (North Adams, Mass.) turned out one of his best outings of the season, working eight innings surrendering eight hits and three runs, only two earned, but ultimately fell to 0-6. Offensively, junior shortstop Lou Proietti (Hamilton, Ont.) had the lone run and one of the Minutemen's four hits on the day. Ryan Cunningham paced the URI offense as he went 2-4 with a run scored and a RBI.
The Rams jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the second inning. Catcher Zack Zaneski roped double with two away to get the rally started. One batter later, shortstop Mike O'Malley lined a single to right field, plating Zaneski to give Rhode Island a 1-0 advantage. O'Malley was 1-3 with a RBI.
Rhode Island added another run in the third taking advantage of a Minuteman miscue. After Lloyd retired the first two URI batters, Cunningham hit a fly ball that was mishandled by senior Derrick Durepo (Ware, Mass.), allowing Cunningham to reach second base. Rhode Island capitalized on the extra out as Zaneski singled to right field bringing in Cunningham to make it 2-0.
The Minutemen generated their lone run in the top half of the seventh. Proietti hit a one-out infield single and then proceed to steal second. Zaneski attempted to throw out Proietti, but his throw short hopped to the right of second base and rolled into the outfield. Proietti was able to advance to third as a result.
With Proietti on third, freshman Adam Tempesta (Brockton, Mass.) hit a grounder to Ram second baseman Wayne Russo. Russo attempted to get Proietti at the plate, but the throw sailed high allowing the shortstop to come home safely making it 2-1.
The Rams would regain the two-run advantage in the bottom half of the frame as Cunningham drove in left fielder Daryl Holcomb for the third Rhode Island run. Holmes held the Minutemen to one hit over the final two innings to complete the 3-1 victory.
UMass will return to action Friday afternoon for game two of the three game set against URI. First pitch is scheduled for 12 noon. Fans can follow along with the game at home via Gametraker on umassathletics.com. Be sure to check back to umassathletics.com for a complete recap and updated stats after the game.
