Providence, R.I.- Junior second baseman Scott Linnane (North Kingstown, RI) ripped a solo home run as the Rhode Island College baseball team dropped a key Little East Conference contest to UMass Dartmouth, 11-1, at Anchorman Field on Monday afternoon.

Following a scoreless first inning, the Corsairs (13-17, 5-5 LEC) got on the board in the top of the second when sophomore second baseman Josh O'Neill (Halifax, MA) drove in sophomore catcher Brandon Polignone (Peabody, MA) with a two-out RBI single to take the 1-0 lead.

The Anchormen (12-19-2, 1-9 LEC) struck back in the bottom half of the third inning when Linnane ripped a one-out, solo homer over the left field fence to knot the game at 1-1

However, the Corsairs struck for six runs in the top of the fourth inning to blow open a close game. Junior first baseman Taylor Cacciola (West Greenwich, RI) smoked an RBI single up the middle that scored two runs to make the score 3-1. With two outs and the bases loaded, sophomore left fielder Ervin Kantardzic (Roslindale, MA) hit a towering grand slam over the left field fence to make the game 7-1.

UMD was able to tack on another run in the top of the fifth inning when Cacciola reached on a fielder's choice that drove in freshman shortstop Erik Ramirez (Boston, MA). UMass Dartmouth would add three additional runs in the top of the ninth inning to close out the game.

The Corsairs' pitching was dominant as senior starter Aaron Chouinard (Swansea, MA) was able to retire 16 Anchormen before  giving way to sophomore reliever Matt Cronin (Framingham, MA), who pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the ninth, to secure the crucial Little East Conference victory.

Chouinard pitched a gem, allowing just one base runner to reach second base following the home run. He went eight complete innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out 10 in the victory (3-1).

RIC sophomore starter Myles Levy (Cranston, RI) went 3.2 innings, allowing seven runs on seven hits and striking out four. RIC's bullpen pitched well, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 5.1 innings of work.

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Fitchburg State on Friday, April 29 (3:30 p.m.).