BRISTOL, R.I. – Ranked fourth nationally in Division III in home runs, the Eastern Connecticut State University baseball team failed to hit one for only the second time in the last nine games, but still had enough firepower to extend its winning streak to nine games, 10-7, over Roger Williams University Monday afternoon at Paolino Field.
Leading 6-3 in the sixth, Eastern (10-5) – ranked fourth in New England -- used run-producing extra-base hits from first-year catcher Ian Moser (Bellingham) and senior first baseman Ryan Parent (Southington) to break the game open in a four-run inning and go on to its 14th win over Roger Williams (10-2) in the 17-game series.
Finishing under .500 last year, Roger Williams won its first nine games this year but has lost two of its last three.
Ranked third nationally in slugging percentage, Eastern rapped five doubles and a triple off five Hawks' pitchers and benefited when the hosts committed five errors (they had only 12 in their first 11 games) that led to four unearned runs, and stranded 14 runners. Roger Williams left the bases loaded after scoring once in the first and stranded two in four of the remaining eight innings.
Moser had three hits, including a triple, drove in four runs and scored one, while Parent and senior third baseman Tiernan Lynch (Easton) each had two hits and scored two runs. Junior centerfielder Ray Leonzi (Trumbull) doubled and drove in two runs while senior leadoff hitter Zach Donahue (South Windsor) extended his on-base streak to 11 with two walks and a hit. His three runs scored give him 22 on the season – nearly twice as many as his nearest teammate.
Sophomore righty Dylan Scudder (Simsbury) allowed seven hits and one earned run over the first five innings to earn his second win in three decisions. He struck out three and walked only one.
Eastern hosts Salve Regina University Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in a non-conference game. The Seahawks (13-1) are ranked second in New England and eighth nationally and bring a 12-game winning streak into Tuesday's game at Springfield College. Eastern leads the all-time series, 7-4.
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