Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College junior first baseman TJ Lynch (South Kingstown, RI) went 4-for-11 with two doubles and three RBI as the baseball team dropped a pair of Little East Conference contests to Plymouth State at Anchorman Field on Saturday.

PSU (11-9, 2-0 LEC) took game one by a score of 8-5, with the Anchormen (9-11-2) falling, 5-4, (11 innings) in game two.

In game one, the Panthers notched a trio of runs in the top half of the first to jump out to a 3-0 lead. Junior third baseman James Riley-Garnett (Newport, RI) got the scoring started by knocking in an RBI single. Sophomore designated hitter Mike Bailey (Stratford, NH) stepped up next, knocking an RBI single to left with freshman right fielder Josh Goulet (Nashua, NH)scoring the final RBI of the inning after getting walked with the bases loaded.

The Anchormen responded in the bottom half of the inning with the first two batters reaching safely and advancing into scoring position following a wild pitch. Following a strikeout by PSU graduate student Cody Gilchrist (Tyngsboro, MA), a walk would load the bases with one out. Sophomore right fielder Edward Apice (North Kingstown, RI) responded, knocking in an RBI sacrifice fly to center to make the score 3-1. Junior catcher Tyler Rains (North Kingstown, RI) completed the offensive outburst for RIC, smacking an RBI single to make the score 3-2.

Lynch would put the Anchormen up in the bottom of the second, ripping an RBI double to make the score, 4-3, RIC entering the third. Plymouth would tack on a pair of runs in the third inning with RIC posting one in the bottom of the frame to make the score 5-5 through three complete.

The defenses were a factor in the middle of the game, with the two teams going scoreless over the next four innings. The stage was set for an unusual call in the top half of the eighth. Following a single and a sacrifice hit, Goulet stood at second base with one down. Following an advance to third on a single, he would later score, being balked in to give the visitors the 6-5 lead. PSU was able to tack on two more in the top half of the ninth to secure the victory.

Gilchrist went 7.0 innings, allowing five runs on six hits, while striking out six in the victory (3-2). Sophomore Taylor Doyle (Petersborough, NH) went 2.0 innings in relief, striking out one and earning the save (3).

RIC sophomore Myles Levy (Cranston, RI) went 5.0 innings in relief, allowing three runs on five hits in the loss (1-1).

The second game was a pitchers' duel early, with PSU freshman David Sampson (Bellingham, MA) and RIC sophomore Daniel Greaves (Warwick, RI) keeping the contest scoreless through four innings. The Panthers struck first and scored a trio of runs in the top of the fifth.

Sophomore center fielder Luke Mancini (Scotia, NY) got things rolling, smoking an RBI sacrifice fly to center field. Riley-Garnett scored on a wild pitch and sophomore catcher Cam Ruziak (Sterling, MA) registered another sacrifice fly to complete the scoring for PSU.

PSU was able to score one in the top of the seventh, but the Anchormen were able to cut the deficit down to two on a pinch-hit, RBI single by Rains. RIC was able to force extra innings when Apice ripped a two-out, two-RBI double down the right field line to knot the game at 4-4. The Panthers would not be denied in extra innings however, with a single by senior left fielder Mike Laflamme (Bedford, NH) driving in Manici for the game-winning run.

With the bases loaded, two down and a full count, Doyle was able to strike out the final batter to send Plymouth home with the double-header sweep.

Doyle went 4.0 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits in the victory (3-1) with RIC sophomore Stewart Braman (Middletown, RI) going 1.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits in a losing effort (1-1).

Along with Lynch, Apice had a big day at the plate, going 3-for-8 with three RBI, one double and one run scored.

Goulet had a big day for the Panthers, going 3-for-5 with one double, four RBI, one run scored and five stolen bases. 

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East Conference play at home against Southern Maine on Sunday, April 10 (Noon).